ACACIA

Description

Woody, trailing stems 10 - 20" (25 - 50 cm) long, with twice-compound leaves and tiny, delicately fragrant flowers on rounded heads ½" (1.25 cm) or smaller. Grows as a tall evergreen tree with a weeping habit. May be used fresh or dried.

Color: Pale yellow

Special Care

 Hydrate for two or more hours in warm water (100 - 105°F / 38 - 40°C) in a solution with an acid pH of 3.5. Once the blossoms are hydrated, hold them in a 36 - 39°F (2 - 4°C) cooler with 90% humidity, protect from drafts, and use as soon as possible. Acacia plants dry out quickly and flowers lose their fluffy appearance.

Stems may be dried, but the flower heads will relax, making the puffy round heads looser and less bouffant.

Fun Facts:

• In Albania, Russia and Georgia, Acacia flowers are a popular gift for women on International Women’s Day.

• The name comes from the Greek word "akis," meaning pointed object, because of the plant's thorns. Dealbata is Latin for whitewashed.

• The common name wattle came from the early Australian settlers who would build houses by loosely weaving green branches for framing (wattling) and plastering them over with mud (daubing). Acacia was a popular material for this method of construction.

• The plant’s essential oil is used in aromatherapy to promote a sense of calm.

• Acacia is classified as an invasive weed in South Africa and New Zealand.

• Acacia trees can grow up to 100' (30 m) tall.

• Often used as filler in floral arrangements.

• In the Victorian “Language of Flowers,” Acacia symbolizes secret love.

• A member of the Fabaceae (legume) family, related to peanuts, bluebonnets and redbuds.