Acacia verticillata

RHS Plant Profile
prickly Moses

Other common names

star acacia, whorl-leaved acacia

Plants for pollinators
Shrubs Trees

A wide-spreading, evergreen shrub with a dense habit. The young shoots are distinctly, angularly ridged and downy, with branches covered in spiky dark green phyllodes (leaves) that are almost hidden by the abundance of flowers. Masses of soft yellow pincushion-like flowers with a honey and almond scent appear in spring, loved by all pollinators. Suitable for most soil conditions including periods of water logging. Makes an excellent habitat for birds

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

4-8 metres

Max Spread

4-8 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
10–20 years
Max Spread
4-8 metres
Max Height
4-8 metres

Growing Conditions

Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H3
Drought Resistance
Yes

Colour & Scent

Fragrance Flower
Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Fabaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Bushy, Columnar upright
Genus
Acacia can be deciduous or evergreen trees, shrubs or climbers, with alternate, pinnately divided leaves or simple modified leaf-like stalks (phyllodes), and tiny, sometimes fragrant, flowers in short spikes, or in racemes or spikes of spherical heads
Name Status
Correct
Plant Range
SE Australia, Tasmania

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow outdoors in neutral to acid well-drained soil in a sheltered location with full sun. Suits courtyard and urban gardens in milder locations, but will need winter protection elsewhere. Under glass, grow in peat-free, ericaceous or loam-based compost in full light. Resents hard pruning

Propagation

Propagate by seed or semi-hardwood cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Architectural
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Mediterranean climate plants
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Wall side borders

Pruning

pruning group 1

Pests

May be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite, fluted scale and mealybugs

Diseases

May be susceptible to honey fungus