Characteristics for Prostrate Acacia

Leaves, Flowers and Fruit

• The prostrate acacia is a sprawling, woody-stemmed shrub. It has thick, long, leathery green or grayish green leaves called phyllodes that are widest at their ends and range from 2 to 6 inches long. Prostrate acacia blooms in spring, when brown, 1-inch fruit pods and small, fragrant yellow flowers in the shape of puffballs appear.

Growth Habit

• A defining feature of the prostrate acacia is its growth habit. It grows quickly in a horizontal form and can span up to 30 feet, although it usually only spreads to 10 to 20 feet. It typically reaches 2 feet in height, but can grow as tall as 4 to 6 feet. As it grows, dead branches often remain under the canopy in older trees. The prostrate acacia lives for a maximum of 15 to 20 years.

Uses

• Prostrate acacia grows in hot desert or coastal areas, such as those of the southwestern United States. Because of its sprawling growth, it is frequently used as ground cover in large areas and can often be seen along roads. It also works well as a ground cover outside homes.

Culture

• The prostrate acacia grows in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 9 through 11. This shrub loves full sun and consistent, warm weather and cannot tolerate temperatures below 15 degrees Fahrenheit. It is adaptable and can grow well in well-drained, moderately alkaline and saline soils, although its leaves will yellow if the alkalinity and salinity are too high.

  Prostrate acacia does not need watering when grown in coastal regions. According to Arizona State University, prostrate acacia does not grow as well in southern Arizona deserts because of the extreme heat. In desert areas, it requires deep watering every seven to 14 days, so water reaches the roots. Water whenever the surface layer of soil dries out. If you plant this shrub in a large space, it needs little pruning. If you plant it too close to other shrubs or plants, its spreading branches will need to be cut back.

Problems

• Prostrate acacia is a low-maintenance shrub and experiences few problems. It is important to plant prostrate acacia in soil that drains well, as it can be prone to fungal infections from overly moist soil. Because this shrub grows fast and low, planting it in an area where there is heavy foot traffic can lead to broken stems and branches.