Acacia farnesiana
 
Common Names: Sweet Acacia, Huisache, Perfume Acacia, Mealy Wattle, Cassie
 
Zones: 9–11
 
A thorny, semi-evergreen shrub or small tree native to the Americas, Acacia farnesiana thrives from southern California to Florida and throughout Mexico, Central America, and northern South America. Known for its fragrant golden-yellow puffball flowers and zig-zag thorny stems, it has been cultivated since the 1600s for ornamental use and perfume extraction. This species provides nectar, seed, and cover for wildlife and is valued in reclamation and buffer plantings.
 
Key Features
Growth Habit: Multi-trunked; slow-growing; forms dense thickets from suckers
Height: Typically 15–25 ft (4.6–7.6 m); similar spread
Trunk: Chocolate brown to gray; rough; armed with long, sharp thorns
Leaves: Bipinnately compound; soft green; feathery; semi-evergreen in warm zones
Inflorescence: Bright golden-yellow puffball flowers; highly fragrant; bloom in late winter and after growth flushes
Fruit: Short, plump seed pods; glossy; 2–3 in. (5–7 cm); persistent; wildlife-friendly
Ecology: Native to dry scrub, open woodlands, and disturbed sites; supports pollinators and birds
 
Growing Conditions
Light: Full sun to part shade
Watering: Low to moderate; drought-tolerant once established
Soil: Loose, dry to medium; well-drained; intolerant of heavy clay or wet soils
Temperature: Tolerates 20–100°F (–6 to 38°C); thrives in 70–90°F (21–32°C)
Humidity: Moderate; adaptable to arid and coastal zones
Propagation: By scarified seed; germinates readily
Tolerance: Salt, drought, and pest resistant; deer resistant; thorny barrier plant
 
Landscape Use
Best suited for xeric landscapes, buffer strips, reclamation zones, and wildlife gardens. Its fragrant blooms and thorny stems make it ideal for natural fencing and pollinator support. Pairs well with Prosopis glandulosa, Calliandra eriophylla, and Yucca filamentosa in arid or coastal designs.