Black Wattle Acacia mearnsii Seeds

BLACK WATTLE Seeds

Botanical Name: Acacia mearnsii
Other Names: Black Wattle, Green Wattle, Mollissima Wattle

• Fast-growing Australian native tree widely used for revegetation, windbreaks, and agroforestry.
• Dense, fine-textured dark green foliage with masses of pale yellow, fragrant flowers.
• Flowers from late winter to early spring, providing valuable pollen and nectar for insects.
• Strong nitrogen-fixing species that improves soil fertility and supports ecosystem recovery.
• Highly adaptable to a wide range of climates and soil types, including degraded sites.
• Excellent pioneer species for erosion control, mine-site rehabilitation, and land stabilisation.
• Historically significant for tannin-rich bark used in leather production.

Plant Details

• Plant Type: Medium to large native tree
• Plant Height: 8–15 m tall; 5–8 m wide

Sowing Information

• Germination: 2–4 weeks after scarification
• Depth: Sow 5–10 mm deep
• Position: Full sun to light shade
• Sow Where: Seedling trays, forestry tubes, or direct sow in prepared sites
• Soil Type: Well-drained soils; tolerates clay, loam, sandy, and poor soils
• Spacing: 3–6 m between trees

Growing Tips

• Scarify seeds by pouring boiling water over them and soaking for 12–24 hours before sowing.
• Use a free-draining native or forestry potting mix to avoid waterlogging.
• Water regularly during establishment; drought-tolerant once mature.
• Fast growth may require thinning or pruning in managed landscapes.

Flowering

Creamy to pale yellow flowers appear in dense clusters from late winter through early spring, creating a soft, fragrant display and supporting pollinators during cooler months.

Traditional & Practical Uses

• Historically used for high-tannin bark in leather tanning and natural dyes.
• Planted extensively for shelter belts, firewood, and soil rehabilitation.
• Supports biodiversity and improves soil structure in regenerative systems.

When to Sow Black Wattle in Your Climate