Prairie Acacia
Acaciella angustissima
Also known as: prairie acacia
- Native to:
- Argentina, Belize, Bolivia, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guam, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panamá, Peru, United States, Venezuela
Eric Hunt
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Fabaceae
- Genus:
- Acaciella
- Species:
- Acaciella angustissima
- USDA Symbol:
- ACAN11
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb , Subshrub
- Height:
- 600 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun,Part Shade
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- apr,may,jun,jul,aug,sep
- Bloom Colors:
- white, cream
- Landscaping Shrub:
- Yes
Wildlife Benefits
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★★☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
- Caterpillars:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Blanchard's Prominent Moth (Syssphinx blanchardi), Cydia ninana, raspa sphinx moth (Syssphinx raspa), Syssphinx albolineata, Outis Skipper (Cogia outis)
Reported Fauna Sightings
Butterflies:Satyrium alcestis
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, butterflies, small mammals
- Fire Ecology:
- Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
- Fire Notes:
- Resprouts from root crown after fire; seeds may be stimulated by heat.
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- well-drained, sandy or loamy soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- adapted to nutrient-poor soils
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Warm then cold/moist stratification (double dormancy) — 30–60 days
- Scarification:
- Seed coat scarification required before sowing
- Germination Time:
- 14–30 days
- Notes:
- Seeds require scarification (nicking or hot water treatment) followed by warm stratification then cold stratification for optimal germination.
Pre-treatment: Single-step cold-moist stratification for temperate woodland species. for 60–120 days
Source: Claude AI
Where to Buy
Nationwide Seller
- Native Plants Nursery (nursery)