Acacia rubida

Native range: Tas, Vic, ACT, NSW, Qld Height: 2-10 m Width: 2-4 m Flowering: Spring Fruiting: Summer Light: Full sun to semi-shade Growth rate: Moderate to fast Soils: Rocky and gravelly clays and loams, sandy loam Drought tolerance: Moderate Landscape position: Hillsides, riparian corridors Rainfall range: 500 – 1000 mm Benefits: Red-stemmed Wattle (Acacia rubida) is an evergreen native shrub to small tree with a relatively dense canopy of mid-green to bluish-green phyllodes and clusters of bright yellow globular flowers along the branches. It can tolerate a range of soils and is frost tolerant and drought tolerant but will be stressed by heatwaves. It will cope with short periods of inundation but does not like waterlogged positions and in nature is found on slopes and hills. The common name refers to the reddish-tinted stems and the scientific name to the leaves, which turn red when dried. Acacia rubida is unusual among wattles in frequently having immature bipinnate leaves on mature plants. Red-stemmed Wattle is a nitrogen-fixing species. A mutual association with Rhizobium bacterium cause nitrogen-fixing nodules to develop on the roots and capture nitrogen from air in the soil. Its fast growth rate and capacity to increase soil nitrogen levels make it a good low- to mid-level species in shelterbelts or as a pioneer, revegetation species in land restoration. It will sucker and can be used to control soil erosion. Acacia rubida will reshoot after fire. Red-stemmed Wattle is a useful low-to mid-level shrub in larger gardens and native plantings. It can be trimmed after flowering to keep in shape. It provides valuable habitat and food for insects and birds. A useful species for pollinators which gather protein-rich pollen to raise brood. The seed is eaten by parrots and native pigeons. Drawbacks: Stressed trees are vulnerable to gall and borer damage.
The timber is not known for its quality or use as firewood. Uses: •Ornamental and landscaping use in parklands and gardens •Shelterbelts •Erosion control •Habitat for native biodiversity Propagation: By seed Weed risk: Low Future climate risks: Slow growth and limited flowering during extended dry years and heatwaves. Branch dieback, limb drop and death of trees in dry, exposed sites. Increase of disease and insect attack die to uneven climate. References AVH (2022). The Australasian Virtual Herbarium, Council of Heads of Australasian Herbaria, https://avh.chah.org.au PlantNET (The NSW Plant Information Network System). Royal Botanic Gardens and Domain Trust, Sydney – https://shorturl.at/aiOZ0 Woolshed Thurgoona Landcare Group website – https://shorturl.at/qBCW3