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Acacia melanoxylon - Blackwood Acacia

About Your New Acacia melanoxylon - Blackwood Acacia

Acacia melanoxylon, the Blackwood, is a large evergreen Australian native tree with a straight upright trunk and a dense canopy of broad dark green phyllodes. It carries pale cream to soft yellow ball flowers in late winter and spring, and produces the dark, close grained timber that gave the tree its name.

It grows in full sun in clay, loam or sand, tolerates low fertility and moderate drought, and takes frost well, which suits it to cool and temperate districts through the south east. Growth is fast, often more than a metre a year while the tree is young, then steadying as the crown fills out.

Blackwood is planted for shelterbelts, erosion control, biodiversity corridors and large scale revegetation, and it makes a substantial canopy tree in rural gardens and public open space. It is a tree for room, not for a suburban block. Where genuine height, shade and durability are required, few natives are as proven.

Frequently Asked Questions

About Blackwood Acacia

What is Acacia melanoxylon?

Acacia melanoxylon, known as Blackwood, is a tall evergreen Australian native tree from the pea family. It occurs naturally from Tasmania up through the east coast, forming an upright trunk with a dense canopy of broad phyllodes. It is valued for shelterbelts, revegetation and shade, and for its dark, fine grained furniture timber.

How big does Blackwood Acacia grow?

It reaches 6 to 30 metres tall and 4 to 10 metres wide. The upper figures apply to deep, moist forest soils in cool districts, while open paddock and garden trees typically settle in the lower half of that range. Either way this is a large tree, so plan for the eventual canopy from the start.

How fast does it grow?

Growth is fast for a large tree, commonly more than a metre a year while young in good conditions with reasonable soil moisture, then slowing as the crown broadens. Most of the early vigour goes into height. Trees planted in dry, shallow or exposed ground put on considerably less and stay shorter overall.

Does it have invasive roots?

It does need care. The root system is vigorous and Blackwood suckers freely from roots, particularly if they are cut or disturbed by cultivation. Keep it well away from paving, drains, service trenches and building footings, and expect suckers in lawn or garden beds nearby. In open rural planting this habit is far less of a concern.

Is it frost tolerant?

Yes. Blackwood grows naturally in cool climates including Tasmania and the highlands of the mainland south east, and it handles regular frost without damage once established. Young trees are more exposed and benefit from shelter for their first winter in the coldest districts. It is one of the more cold hardy of the larger wattles.

Where does it grow best in Australia?

It performs best in cool and temperate regions, including Tasmania, Victoria, the New South Wales tablelands and coastal escarpment, south east South Australia and the cooler parts of the south west. It wants reasonable rainfall and reliable drainage, and grows on clay through to sand. Hot arid inland districts are outside its comfortable range.

How do I care for Blackwood Acacia?

Water through the first two summers to establish the root system, then it largely looks after itself. Form prune while young to hold a single central leader and remove low or crossing limbs before they thicken. Avoid cultivating around the base, which triggers suckering, and keep mulch clear of the trunk collar.

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Uses in my Garden

  • Shade Tree
  • Avenue Planting
  • Screening or Privacy
  • Council or Civic Landscapes
  • Rural Property Planting
  • Revegetation or Regeneration

Acacia melanoxylon - Blackwood Acacia works in an:

  • Australian Native Garden – celebrates local plants with natural character.
  • Woodland Garden – layered, naturalistic design under dappled light.
  • Formal Garden – structured, symmetrical design with clipped shapes.
  • Low-maintenance Garden – resilient choices for easy care and year-round appeal.

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