Sweet Acacia

Although drought-tolerant, this shrub/small tree may benefit from a few deep, thorough soakings during extremely dry periods. When young, it tends to be multi-trunked, so if a tree form is desired, pruning is required. Very briefly deciduous. Although the range extends further north, it is best used in landscaping where temperatures do not drop below 20 degrees F.



Good for barrier shrub and as wildlife thicket, also nice as specimen.

Tolerant of occasional/brief inundation such as can occur in storm surges.



High. Can tolerate significant and ongoing amounts of salty wind and salt spray without injury.

Thorns on trunks and branches. Place where flowers and fragrance can be enjoyed, but away from walkways. Can suffer from root rot if too wet.

The thorny branches make good cover for birds and other wildlife. Fruits are not generally valued. Attracts pollinators.

There are 2 subspecies, V. farnesiana var. farnesiana and V. farnesiana var. pinetorum.  Var. pinetorum is rare.  It is also smaller.

There is a very rare species, Vachellia macranthera, occasionally cultivated.  It occurs rarely in extreme south Florida and has been found as a likely storm-deposited waif in a couple of areas on the west coast of FL.   If you have it, enjoy it.  Culture should be similar to V. farnesiana.

Coastal uplands, ruderal, shell middens

• Aroma, fragrance, Showy flowers, Interesting foliage, Thorns
• Attracts pollinators and uses ants both for protection against unwanted insects.