Acacia (often called Wattle) is a diverse group of trees and shrubs known for fine-textured foliage, architectural branching, and showy blooms that can light up the garden in late winter through spring (timing varies by species). Many Acacia types feel distinctly Mediterranean—clean silhouettes, light canopy shade, and a naturalistic look that pairs well with drought-tolerant planting styles common in Northern California.

In Bay Area landscapes, Acacia is often chosen when you want a plant that reads soft and feathery from a distance, yet still provides a strong structure up close. Some forms stay compact and shrub-like, while others become small trees with a graceful, open crown—making it easy to match an Acacia to different garden scales and design goals.