Botanic Gardens and Parks Authority

Common name: Wirewood

Family: FABACEAE

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Description

The inhospitable climate of the Pilbara and Gascoyne regions of Western Australia are no match for Acacia coriacea. One of the longer lived Wattles, this hardy, tall tree grows in areas of seasonal extremes in an arid and mostly inhospitable region, including exposure to long dry seasons and monsoonal wet seasons. It grows well on the banks of creeks and rivers, on coastal dunes and along dry, rocky ridges in the landscape.

Wirewood is an upright growing tree, with a maximum height between 8 and 10 metres. Its linear, leathery leaves, silvery grey foliage, and yellow globular flowers make it a stunning contrast to the emerging greens of an autumnal garden. One of the other features of this tree is its unusual twisted, knobbly, large seed pods.

Acacia coriacea has much variation in its form in the wild and has been collected widely by Kings Park for its horticultural potential. Acacia coriacea subspecies pendens is considered the most decorative form with its silvery weeping canopy.

Horticultural tips

Suited to large gardens with a lot of open space.
Wirewood is suitable to use for a windbreak.
Water for establishment over the tree’s first summer only, as overwatering can lead to collar rot.
Plant in full sun.

View in Kings Park

Visit Kings Park to see the magnificent Wirewood. Rio Tinto Naturescape Kings Park features living collections established 30 years ago and newer specimens can be enjoyed from Wardong Buspark near the reservoir's western boundary (refer to map).