Sweet Acacia is valued for its fragrant flowers, which attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, as well as its tolerance of drought and salt spray.
Status in Florida: Native
Native Range: Pinelands, shell middens, coastal hammocks. Occurs in FL, CA, LA, AZ, NM, Mexico, Central and South America, Puerto Rico and the Bahamas. 
Size at Maturity: A small to medium-sized deciduous shrub or small tree, reaching heights of about 8’ to 20’ tall with a 6-10’ spread. 
Form: Upright, multi-stemmed, densely zig-zagged branches, rounded or flatted top with an oval outline. 
Phenology: Deciduous shrub or small tree. Bright, fragrant yellow flowers that can bloom off and on all year long. Produces 2-3” long reddish-purple pods. 
Best features: 
- Nitrogen fixing, does well in sandy, poor soils
- Extremely Drought Tolerant 
- Salt Tolerant 
- Rapid Growth 
- Fernlike Foliage 
Culture: 
•Sunlight Requirements: Full sun 
•Soil Texture: Well-drained loose soils 
•Soil pH: Tolerant of a wide range including alkaline soils pH 6.0-7.5
•Moisture Requirements: Tolerant of drought once established; prefers well-drained soil. Will suffer in wet soils. 
Recommended Landscape Uses: Specimen tree, barrier, xeriscapes, coastal gardens, naturalized areas, near fruiting trees to improve soils. Excellent choice for roadways and medians. 
Maintenance Tips: Low maintenance; prune as needed to maintain shape and remove dead or damaged branches; minimal pruning is typically required. 
 
Considerations: Thorny branches. Short life span. Can develop root rot in wet soils. 
Deer and/or Rabbit Resistance: Moderately resistant; typically not preferred by deer or rabbits
Edible: While not typically consumed by humans, Sweet Acacia seed pods are edible and can be used in various culinary preparations.
Medicinal Uses: Historically used by Native American tribes for various medicinal purposes, although specific uses may vary.
Toxicity to Pets: Not known to be toxic to pets, but ingestion of large quantities of plant material may cause gastrointestinal upset.
Companion Plants: Sea Grape, Beautyberry, FL Privet, White Indigoberry, Tough Buckthorn. 
Wildlife Benefit: Provides habitat and food for birds and other wildlife; the flowers attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies.