Acacia schafferni
Common: Medusa acacia
Family: Fabaceae
Origin: Australia
Sunset Zone: 8, 9, 12-24
Light: Full sun
Soil: Well drained
Water: Drought tolerant
Accent tree for xeriscape. Open, very random branching. Resembles Medusa's head.
Dark cinnamon to black bark, medium to small sized tree. Moderate to fast grower, 25 to 30 feet tall. Greater spread than tall. Fine line green texture. Twice pinnately compound leaves, stipular white spines in stems and branches.
Fragrant small yellow puff balls in mid-spring.
Prune to shape if necessary, but avoid pruning if possible. Tree has very unique branching form. Remove lower branches in public areas, otherwise let grow naturally.
Propagation by seed. Susceptible to Texas root rot.