Sweet acacia bears golden, sweet-smelling flower during the winter months that are attractive to a variety of pollinators. Its ferny foliage and serpentine branch structure add interest to the garden. Acacia trees make almost impenetrable hedges due to their thorny branches, while the flowers are used in the perfume industry.
Latin Name
Vachellia farnesiana
Family
Fabaceae
Also Known As
Sweet acacia Huisache Needle Bush
Type of Plant
Tropical
Bloom Season
November - March
Seasons
Fall
Winter
Spring
Specifications
Max Height: 35'
Max Spread: 25'
Uses
Sunlight Exposure
Full Sun
Toxicity
Do not ingest
Harmful to pets
Colors
Native Range
Mexico and Central America
History
Washington wrote in his diary on June 13, 1785, that he planted “a species of the Acacia (or Acasee) used in the West Indias for incircling their Gardens” in "the inclosure I had prepared for a Nursery" (his Botanic Garden).
Other Details
Grown by Washington
Planted at Mount Vernon
Hardiness Zones
Average annual extreme minimum temperature 1976-2005
Bartlett Tree Expert Company has been working with Mount Vernon Estate since 2011 providing expert arboricultural care and GPS mapping for the estate’s historic trees, as well as support from their research facility. Mount Vernon is proud to partner with Bartlett Tree Experts and appreciates their sponsorship of George Washington’s Mount Vernon Plant Finder App.
Bring Washington's Garden Home
Purchase our historic seeds, collected from plants grown at Mount Vernon and plant them in your own garden.
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