Acacia smallii (Sweet acacia)

Botanical name

Acacia smallii

Other names

Vachellia farnesiana var. farnesiana , Sweet acacia, Texas huisache, Acacia minuta subsp. densiflora, Vachellia densiflora

Genus

Acacia Acacia

Species

A. smallii - A. smallii is a variable, rounded, open, borderline hardy, deciduous tree with white spines and pinnate, grey-green leaves. Fragrant, spherical, fluffy, yellow flowers in spring are followed by short, green seed pods ripening brown.

Native to

Southwestern United States

Foliage

Evergreen

Habit

Open branches, Rounded

Toxicity

All parts may cause severe discomfort if ingested.

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Colour

Flower

Yellow in Spring

Foliage

Grey-green in All seasons

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How to care

Watch out for

Pests

Generally pest free.

Specific pests

Glasshouse red spider mite , Mealybugs

Diseases

Generally disease free.

General care

Pruning

Pruning group 8. Does not respond well to hard pruning.

Propagation methods

Semi-ripe cuttings, Seed

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Monthly care advice

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Where to grow

Acacia smallii (Sweet acacia) will reach a height of 10.5m and a spread of 7.5m after 10-20 years.

Suggested uses

Beds and borders, City, Cottage/Informal, Greenhouse, Specimen tree, Wallside and trellises

Cultivation

In warm climates, grow in moderately fertile, well-drained, neutral to acid soil in a sheltered, sunny site. Drought tolerant but best with occasional watering in dry summers. Under glass, grow in loam-based compost in full light. In growth, water freely and feed monthly; sparingly in winter.

Soil type

Loamy, Sandy

Soil drainage

Well-drained

Soil pH

Acid, Neutral

Light

Full Sun

Aspect

South

Exposure

Sheltered

UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.

Tender in frost (H3)

USDA zones

Zone 10, Zone 9, Zone 8

Defra's Risk register #1

Plant name

Acacia smallii (Sweet acacia)

Common pest name

Scientific pest name

Hylesia nigricans

Type

Insect

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

2

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

4

General biosecurity comments

South American moth which could be damaging to broadleaf species if introduced to the UK; as well as having human health impacts. The main pathway is likely to be goods (including non-plant material) imported from South America and awareness raising with the main industry sectors is recommended.

Defra's Risk register #2

Plant name

Acacia smallii (Sweet acacia)

Common pest name

Asain cotton leafworm; Cluster caterpillar; Fall armyworm; Rice cutworm; Taro caterpiller; Tobacco budworm; Tobacco caterpillar; Tobacco cutworm; Tobacco leaf caterpillar

Scientific pest name

Spodoptera litura

Type

Insect

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

General biosecurity comments

Regulated pest; frequently intercepted with occasional outbreaks which have been successfully eradicated in the UK.

Defra's Risk register #3

Plant name

Acacia smallii (Sweet acacia)

Common pest name

pink wax scale; red was scale; ruby wax scale

Scientific pest name

Ceroplastes rubens

Type

Insect

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

General biosecurity comments

Based on its biology and low potential impact continued action on this pest in the UK would not be considered appropriate. It is likely to be of more concern to southern Member States of the EU; as it is an economic pest of citrus.

About this section

Our plants are under greater threat than ever before. There is increasing movement of plants and other material traded from an increasing variety of sources. This increases the chances of exotic pests arriving with imported goods and travellers, as well as by natural means. Shoot is working with Defra to help members to do their part in preventing the introduction and spread of invasive risks.

Traveling or importing plants? Please read "Don't risk it" advice here

Suspected outbreak? Click here for contact details to report to the relevant authority.

Date updated: 7^th March 2019 For more information visit: https://planthealthportal.defra.gov.uk/