WILLOW ACACIA TREE

Description

Willow acacia is an Australian tree that provides refreshing shade in low desert regions of Southern Arizona. It has narrow leaves and a weeping appearance, making it ideal for use in space restricted areas such as parking lots. A fast grower, willow acacia is taller and more narrow than most native trees. In Tucson, it grows to about 40 feet tall with a 20 foot spread. Fragrant, puffball flowers appear almost anytime of year but are most abundant in the spring. Willow acacia makes a fine, drought-tolerant tree for space restricted areas.

Maintenance

Willow acacia tree requires relatively little care and can withstand long periods of drought. It does not require supplemental fertilizer. Water established Willow acacia trees sparingly— every three to four weeks in summer and every other month in the winter. Deep, infrequent irrigation helps to develop a strong, anchoring root system. Willow acacia tree becomes chlorotic when grown in poor draining soils or with too frequent, shallow watering. Regularly thinning the canopy helps to reduce wind resistance. Prune in fall or early spring to raise and thin the canopy and to remove dead or damaged limbs. Also, Willow acacia tree will benefit from staking when young. This helps establish a self-supporting, structurally strong and upright habit.