Acacia gerrardii (=Vachellia gerrardii) is a hardy, fairly fast-growing, drought-resistant, deciduous Acacia. It has a long, straight stem that starts branching high up to form a flattish crown. As it is sparsely branched and throws little shade, many plants and lawn grass will grow underneath it.
The bark is dark grey and fissured, with red under-bark appearing in the cracks. The bark on the young branches is red and young growth is covered in hairs.
From October to February the tree is literally covered in masses of large, creamy-white, scented puffball flowers that attract many pollinating insects. It is the host plant of the Black-striped Hairtail butterfly. The flowers are followed by nutritious, sickle shaped pods.
Bark contains tannin that is used for medicinal purposes. It tolerates a wide variety of soil types. This Acacia can be used in fairly small gardens as it is tall but not bulky.
Plant in full sun.
Size: 5 to 7m