Golden wreath wattle

Acacia saligna (Acacia cyanophylla)

Overview

Photo credit: ©M. W. McDonald
Acacia saligna (Acacia cyanophylla)
Description:
  • It is a multi-stemmed, thornless shrub, with smooth grey bark that becomes darker and more fissured with age
  • The leaves are dark green to blue-green
  • It has yellow flowers.

Origin and Worldwide Distribution:
  • It is native to Australia, but has been introduced to the United States of America, France, Greece, Italy, Portugal and Spain.

Potential or Known Impacts:
  • It is a nitrogen fixing plant, and can allow other non-natives to grow. Its nitrogen-rich leaves are often slow to decompose, and therefore suffocates native species.

How could it get here?
  • Potentially as an ornamental plant or through sand for construction

Is it found in Northern Ireland?
  • Not present in Northern Ireland.


Methods for Prevention:
  • EU-level action includes a ban on sales and any planting or keeping, including in aquaria, as well as rapid eradication of any new populations to avoid the excessively high costs associated with its management later on.
  • Report all sightings.

You can help by reporting any sightings: @ the Centre for Environmental Data & Recording (CEDaR) - Or via the iRecord App.
Current Legislative Position (Listed on 14 August 2019)
  • This species must not intentionally be brought into the Union; kept; bred; transported to, from or within the United Kingdom, unless for the transportation to facilities in the context of eradication; placed on the market; used or exchanged; permitted to reproduce, grown or cultivated; or released into the environment.
For further queries, you can contact the Invasive Non Native Species (INNS) Team in the Northern Ireland Environment Agency on 028 9056 9558 or Email: invasivespecies@daera-ni.gov.uk
Invasive Species Northern Ireland

Invasive Species Northern Ireland