Sweet Acacia (Acacia farnesiana)

   

Sweet Acacia (Acacia farnesiana), University of Texas at El Paso campus. Photograph by A.H. Harris

• Common English Names: Sweet Acacia, Small's Acacia
• Common Spanish Names: Huisache Dulce
• Scientific Name: Acacia farnesiana (ah-KAY-shuh far-neez-ee-ANN-uh)
• Family: Fabaceae (Legume Family)
• Geographic Range: Tropical America north through Mexico into southern and southwestern Texas to eastern Big Bend, southern Arizona, and California.
• Plant Form: Large multistemmed shrub to small tree, 10' to 30' high.
• Remarks: Tropical species also known as Acacia smallii and Acacia minuta; very fragrant golden-yellow flowers appear before leaves in spring; paired white thorns persist on old wood; lacy foliage provides filtered, diffused shade; requires full sun, moderate water, moderately hardy to high teens and tolerates a wide soil range, including poor drainage.

Last Update: 3 Jul 2002