Description:  Evergreen tree, height 30-50 feet tall and wide (9-15 m), with a broad, rounded shape, gray bark.

Leaf:  Twice pinnate, fern-like leaves.  The rachis (main leaf stem) 0.4-1.2 inches long (1-3 cm) with 8-20 pairs of pinnae, each with 25-40 pairs of leaflets.

Flower:  February-April, bisexual:  small golden yellow flower clusters in the shape of a ball, 0.25 inch in diameter (6 mm), each with 20-25 individual flowers.  The flower peduncles are pubescent (hairy).  Flowers appear after leaves.

Fruit/Seed:  Dry, brown, straight or slightly curved, dehiscent pod, 2 to 3.6 inches long (5-9 cm), and 0.5 inch broad (8-12mm).

Typical Location:  Drought tollerant plant that can inhabit upland communities and disturbed sites, outside of the riparian zone, elevations below 1,600 feet (500 m)

Invasiveness:  Not listed as a pest species in California, but probably aggressive in natural areas

Key Notes:  Australian Acacias are commonly called wattles, while species of African and American origins are commonly called acacias.  Easily distinguished by leaf shape.

Notes:  Acacias bloom early and may cause allergic reactions in many people