golden wattle

plant

Also known as: Acacia pycnantha

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Last updated

June 29, 2026

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The golden wattle, specifically Acacia pycnantha, is a medium-sized tree native to Australia known for its intensely yellow, fragrant flowers. It belongs to the genus Acacia, which comprises about 160 species of trees and shrubs found in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide, with a significant presence in Australia and Africa.12

Key characteristics of acacias include their feathery leaves, often with flattened leafstalks, and small, fragrant flowers clustered in globular or cylindrical shapes, typically yellow or white. The bark of many acacia species, including the golden wattle, is rich in tannin, used for tanning leather and in dyes. Some acacias also yield valuable timber. Many Australian acacia species are cultivated globally for their ornamental value due to their striking floral displays.21

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acacia
Major species
…of tannin, among them the golden wattle (A. pycnantha), the green wattle (A. decurrens), and the silver wattle (A. dealbata). A few species produce valuable timber, among them the Australian blackwood (A. melanoxylon); the yarran (A. omalophylla), also of Australia; and A. koa of Hawaii. Many of the
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…of tannin, among them the golden wattle (A. pycnantha), the green wattle (A. decurrens), and the silver wattle (A. dealbata). A few species produce valuable timber, among them the Australian blackwood (A. melanoxylon); the yarran (A. omalophylla), also of Australia; and A. koa of Hawaii. Many of the
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