green wattle

plant

Also known as: Acacia decurrens

Written by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

June 29, 2026

Quick Summary

Green wattle refers to certain species of Australian wattles, most notably Acacia decurrens. Wattles, which belong to the genus Acacia, are trees and shrubs native to tropical and subtropical regions, with a significant presence in Australia and Africa.12

These plants are characterized by their feathery leaves, which are often finely divided leaflets. Many Australian species have adapted by having flattened leafstalks that perform the function of leaves. Acacias are also recognized by their small, fragrant flowers, typically yellow or white, clustered in globular or cylindrical shapes and appearing fuzzy due to numerous stamens.2

Economically, some acacias are valuable for their tannin content, used in tanning, dyes, and pharmaceuticals. The green wattle (A. decurrens) is one such species, alongside the golden wattle and silver wattle.2

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

2 Britannica Sources

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.

acacia
Major species
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 Australian acacia species have been widely introduced…
Read More
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 Australian acacia species have been widely introduced…
Read More