PlantFiles: Paperbark Thorn
Acacia sieberiana var. woodii

I planted two of these two years ago. They are doing beautifully, argueably the most magnificent Acacia. It pulls birds like a magnet. It has a spreading, flat crown (12 m high, 16 m wide) of deep green, feathery foliage (deciduous) and attractive creamy-tan to yellow-brown corky bark, make this an easy tree to identify. The flaky, papery bark peels off in flattish strips, revealing a yellow underbark.

Balls of creamy to pale yellow scented flowers are borne in spring to summer (September to November) and entice insects. Paired thorns are long, strong, straight and white. Light brown, woody pods are formed from autumn (March) onwards, are cylindrical and thickened (often with velvety hairs).

This tree is found in woodland, wooded grassland and along riverbanks (where it can reach 15 m) in South Africa, Swaziland, Zimbabwe, northern and eastern Botswana, northern Namibia and tropical Africa north to Ethiopia. There are about 44 species of Acacia in South Africa. Most are large, thorny trees with feathery twice-compound leaves and fluffy flowers carried either in spikes or balls. Acacias (with thorns) are mostly confined to Africa. Those found in Australia do not have thorns.

This tree is easily propagated from seed that has been immersed in boiling water and soaked overnight. Protect young plants from frost. They are suited to medium to large gardens. Allow these magnificent trees the space to show off their wonderful shapes - don't crowd and clutter them. However, on a large property, five to six trees planted fairly close together make an impressive group.

This tree is half-hardy and very fast-growing with fertile soil and sufficient water, and tolerates temperatures ranging from about -2°C to 40°C. Plant in the sun.

Flat topped tree for that So Cal tropical look many are looking for but can't get those Hawaiian trees to survive here. This tree is very drought tolerant and has small, feathery leaves and nasty thorns. However its distinguishing characteristic is it's Melaleuca-like papery bark. South African Native. Flowers there in the late spring, small, spherical pale yellow flowers. Not sure if it flowers here in So Cal same time or not.