Nealie

Acacia rigens

Native to:
Australia

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Fabaceae
Genus:
Acacia
Species:
Acacia rigens
USDA Symbol:
ACRI6

Growth Characteristics

Height:
300 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
High
Bloom Months:
aug,sep,oct,nov
Bloom Colors:
yellow
Evergreen Shrub:
Yes
Landscaping Shrub:
Yes

Keystone Species Ranking

Caterpillar Keystone:
★★★☆☆ Butterfly & moth species supported by this genus (NWF)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
birds, native bees, insects
Deer Resistant:
Yes
Fragrant:
Yes
Fire Ecology:
Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
Fire Notes:
Resprouts vigorously from lignotuber after fire. Common in fire-prone mallee ecosystems of southern Australia where it regenerates readily post-burn.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
pH:
5.5 - 8.0 (slightly acidic to alkaline)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
Commonly found in arid and semi-arid regions

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
None required
Scarification:
Seed coat scarification required before sowing
Germination Time:
10–21 days
Notes:
Hot water treatment or mechanical scarification recommended for hard seed coat. Soak seeds in near-boiling water and allow to cool for 24 hours before sowing.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI