Acacia Baileyana Cootamundra Wattle

Written and edited by Tammy 7th August 2025

2 weeks out from the official start to spring, but already the days are stretching a little longer, and buds are swollen on the verge of busting into blossom. Our gardens can sense it and so can we!

If you’ve driven around the South East (South Australia) recently, chances are you’ve spotted an explosion of golden pompoms lighting up local parklands, paddock edges and roadsides.

Meet Acacia Baileyana, affectionately known as the Cootamundra Wattle, and they really are stealing the show right now!

Native to New South Wales but now widely loved and planted throughout South Australia, these iconic Aussie tree brings a bold splash of colour just when we need it most.

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A Quick Snapshot -Acacia Baileyana Cootamundra Wattle

• Height & Growth Habit: Typically grows between 4–8 metres tall, with a graceful, spreading canopy.

• Foliage: Gorgeous soft, feathery blue-grey leaves-also a purple foliage variety available (Acacia Baileyana Purpurea)

• Flowers: Dense clusters of bright yellow puffballs bloom in late winter to early spring.

• Fast-growing: Great for quickly filling out a space or providing wind protection.

• Hardy: Thrives in full sun and tolerates dry conditions once established.

• Pollinator heaven: An absolute must if catering to birds bees and wildlife is a priority in your garden.

• Bird habitat: Offers shelter and food for birds, making it a win for local biodiversity.

Just give it a well-drained spot, a bit of room to spread, and it’ll reward you with year after year of golden joy.

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Environmental Considerations

Cootamundra Wattles as beautiful as they are, in some regions of Australia can naturalise and spread beyond intended areas.

• In native bushland, they can sometimes compete with local species (especially in Victoria).

• Stick to garden-friendly varieties like grafted forms or the purple foliage cultivars 'acacia baileyana ‘Purpurea’ in sensitive areas.

  (Kind of irrelevant for home gardens but just something to be aware of if you back onto or are beside native parklands or scrubs.) Just goes to show how hardy they are!

Maintenance Tip

While Cootamundra Wattles are mostly low-fuss, pruning them lightly after flowering will help to maintain a nice shape and keep them happy and thriving.

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Where to Get One

You’ll often find them at local nurseries, native plant specialists, or Mitre 10 garden centres. Some growers are even establishing dwarf or grafted forms for smaller gardens or street plantings.

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Whether you’re planting for the bees, adding bold winter colour, or just want something tough as boots but pretty as a picture, the Cootamundra Wattle is a standout performer.

Keep an eye out when you're taking the dog for a walk next through native parklands, Sunday driving around our region, they really are a sight to see.

Happy Gardening 😘💛