Easily identifiable by its large pompom yellow flowers and distinctive scent, the Acacia varietals or Wattle, are some of the most delightful and resilient native plants. There are over 760 different varieties of wattle native to New South Wales and the most popular wattle in New South Wales is the Acacia Pycantha or Golden Wattle. Sporting the largest blooms of all wattle varieties, Golden Wattle has been recognised as Australia's floral emblem since Federation, appearing in our Coat of Arms and more recently being used as a floral symbol in national days of mourning. Despite its sunny associations with summer, varieties of Wattle begins to flower as early as May and can keep flowering right through to November. 

Wattle is not native to Australia despite naming September 1 National Wattle day. Africa has over one hundred native wattles, and it also occurs in America, East and West Indies and the Islands.

External Links

Fact Sheet - Cootamundra Wattle

Fact Sheet - Golden Wattle

Fact Sheet - Blackwood

Fact Sheet - Wattle Mulga

Wattles of Australia, CSIRO

Golden Wattle - Our National Emblem

See complete set of images from A.J. Campbell's Wattle Nymph Series

Golden Wattle our National Floral Emblem" - A Book of Wattle Nymphs, A.J. Campbell