Knifeleaf Acacia (Acacia cultriformis) | Yellow Flowering Evergreen Tree

Knifeleaf Acacia

5 Gallon

$89.00

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Knifeleaf Acacia

Acacia cultriformis

A small evergreen tree with unique triangular gray-green foliage and profuse, bright yellow, ball-shaped flowers in late winter to early spring.

$89.00

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Bay Area–Based Nursery

We specialize in plants grown and delivered in their original pots and soil.
Because of their size and weight, our plants are not suitable for long-distance shipping and are delivered locally to ensure health and quality.

While delivery is limited to our local service area, we’re happy to support garden design and plant selection remotely.

For local plant professionals, we’re always glad to connect and explore ways to support your customers.

Acacia cultriformis is a striking, small evergreen tree or large shrub prized for its unique, triangular, knife-shaped leaves (phyllodes) and profuse, bright yellow, ball-shaped flower clusters. Native to Australia, this fast-growing, drought-tolerant plant features silvery-gray to gray-green, sharply angled foliage that provides excellent textural contrast. In late winter to early spring, it produces an abundance of small, fragrant, golden-yellow flowers in dense, spherical clusters (racemes) that cover the branches, creating a spectacular, colorful display that attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. With its multi-trunked, shrubby form, excellent heat and drought tolerance, and sharp, pointed foliage, it is an outstanding choice for a privacy screen, barrier plant, specimen accent, or as a colorful addition to xeriscape and Mediterranean gardens.

Knowing how we measure the size?

When browsing our plants, you may notice size terms such as Gallon, Multi, or Stand. These describe how a plant is grown, containerized, or structured at the time of sale — not just its height. Understanding these terms will help you choose the right plant for your space and expectations.

🌱 Gallon Size (Container Size)

Gallon refers to the size of the nursery container the plant is currently growing in (e.g. 1 Gallon, 5 Gallon, 15 Gallon).

A larger gallon size generally means:
- A more established root system
- A sturdier plant
- Faster visual impact after planting
Example:
- 5 Gallon: Ideal for residential gardens, easy to handle, good balance of value and maturity
- 15 Gallon: More mature, provides quicker results in the landscape

Note: Gallon size does not guarantee a specific height, as growth varies by species.

🌳 Multi (Multi-Trunk / Multi-Branch Form)

Multi indicates the plant has multiple trunks or main stems growing from the base.

Commonly used for:
- Ornamental trees
- Feature plants
- Japanese maples, olives, crepe myrtles, etc.
Why choose Multi:
- Fuller, more sculptural appearance
- Strong visual presence even at younger ages
- Popular for design-focused landscapes

🌲 Stand (Single-Trunk / Standard Form)

Stand (short for Standard) refers to a single, dominant trunk with a raised or naturally formed canopy.

Commonly used for:
- Shade trees
- Street trees
- Orchard and structural plantings
Why choose Stand:
- Clean, classic tree form
- Easier clearance for walkways and lawns
- Preferred for long-term structure and uniformity

🌿 Choosing the Right Size

If you want instant impact → larger Gallon, Multi form
If you want long-term structure → Stand form
If you want flexibility and value → mid-size Gallon containers

If you’re unsure which size or form fits your project, our team is happy to help you select the best option based on your space, timeline, and design goals.

Foliage & Flowers: Unique, triangular to wedge-shaped, sharply pointed, silvery-gray to gray-green leaves (phyllodes); profuse, small, fragrant, bright yellow, ball-shaped flower clusters (racemes) in late winter to early spring.
Mature Height: 10-15 ft
Mature Spread: 10-15 ft
Growth Rate: Fast
Hardiness Zones: USDA 9-11; Sunset 12-24
Light Requirement: Full sun
Core Benefits: Unique triangular gray-green foliage, profuse yellow winter-spring flowers, fast-growing, drought tolerant, excellent barrier plant.
Best Uses: Privacy screen, barrier plant, specimen tree, xeriscape gardens, Mediterranean gardens, wildlife gardens.

Q: How large does Knifeleaf Acacia get?
A: It is a small tree or large shrub, typically reaching 10-15 feet in both height and spread at maturity, with a multi-trunked, shrubby form.

Q: When does it bloom?
A: It blooms in late winter to early spring, producing an abundance of fragrant, bright yellow, ball-shaped flower clusters that cover the branches.

Q: How much water does it need?
A: Once established, it is highly drought tolerant. Water regularly during its first year, then little to no supplemental water is needed. It thrives in well-drained soils.

Q: Is it a good choice for a barrier or screen?
A: Yes, its sharp, pointed foliage and dense, multi-trunked, shrubby form make it an excellent, impenetrable privacy screen or barrier plant.

Q: Is it cold hardy?
A: It is reliably hardy in USDA zones 9-11. It is frost-tender and should be protected from freezing temperatures.

Q: Does it attract pollinators?
A: Yes, the fragrant, bright yellow flowers are highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.