Mountain Cedar Wattle (Acacia elata)

Mountain Cedar Wattle

Acacia elata, also known as the Mountain Cedar Wattle, is a small to medium-sized tree native to eastern Australia. It is endemic to coastal areas of New South Wales and is found in wet sclerophyll and temperate rainforests. Its native range extends south from the Budawang Range at 37°S latitude and north to Bellingen River at 30°S latitude. It is an attractive plant with delicate foliage, sometimes seen in cultivation. Its timber is beautiful, close-grained, strong, hard, and suitable for carpentry and turning.

Here is some helpful information for growing this plant:

Tree Height and Spread: Acacia elata typically grows to 15 to 20 meters, occasionally reaching 30 metres, and has a spread of 5 to 8 meters. It has an upright, columnar growth habit and a dense canopy of foliage. The tree can live for several decades and is known for its attractive bark and foliage.

Preferred Soil Type: Acacia elata prefers well-drained soils that are sandy or loamy in texture. It can tolerate many soil types, including clay soils, but will not grow well in waterlogged or poorly-drained soils. It prefers slightly acidic soils to neutral, with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5.

Soil pH: Acacia elata prefers slightly acidic to neutral soils, with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. It can tolerate slightly alkaline soils but will not grow well in highly acidic or alkaline soils. It is essential to monitor the soil pH and adjust as needed to maintain the appropriate conditions for growth.

Light Requirements: Acacia elata is a plant that requires full sun to thrive. It will not perform well in shaded areas or less than 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. It may benefit from some protection from the hottest part of the day in areas with hot summers.

Water Requirements: Acacia elata is a drought-tolerant plant that can survive with little water once established. However, it will perform best if it receives regular watering during the growing season. Watering the tree deeply and infrequently is essential rather than giving it frequent shallow watering. This will encourage the roots to grow deep and help to prevent the soil from becoming waterlogged.

Fertiliser Requirements: Acacia elata is a plant that does not require much fertiliser. It can be fertilised once or twice yearly with a balanced, slow-release fertiliser. However, over-fertilisation can lead to excessive growth and reduced stress tolerance. It is best to avoid fertilising the plant during winter when growth is slow.

Pruning Requirements: Acacia elata requires little pruning, but it may benefit from occasional pruning to maintain its shape and remove any dead or diseased branches. Pruning should be done in the early spring before the tree begins to put out new growth.

Pests and Diseases: Acacia elata is a relatively pest-free tree. However, it can be susceptible to borers and other pests if stressed due to drought or other factors. To prevent this problem, providing adequate water and avoiding over-fertilisation is essential. The Mountain Cedar Wattle can also be susceptible to fungal diseases, which can be controlled through proper pruning and management.

In conclusion, Acacia elata is a hardy, attractive tree well-suited to various growing conditions. Proper care can provide a beautiful, long-lived addition to the landscape for many years to come. By providing well-drained soil, full sunlight and avoiding over-fertilisation, you can help your Mountain Cedar Wattle tree thrive and offer a beautiful and natural addition to your property.