Common Acacia

Geography

• These trees originally grew primarily in the Appalachian Mountains of North America and portions of the Ozark Plateau. However, this tree has been widely planted elsewhere and is prone to escape cultivated areas. Its modern range includes the entire continental U.S. and portions of Canada, South America, Europe, Australia, Asia and Africa.

Identification

• The common or false acacia is a medium-sized tree with deeply furrowed, dark-colored bark and small leaflets that make up a larger compound leaf. This tree is notable for the short thorns it carries at the base of each leaf and its drooping cream-to-white flowers.

Lifespan

• These trees are relatively fast-growing, but live a shorter time than many other species. Common acacia trees generally live about 90 years. Seedlings tend to have high rates of survival due to their wide-spreading root systems. These trees tend to form thickets, with the oldest trees at the center.