Many species of acacia are cultivated for their graceful foliage and hand- 

 some fragrant flowers. Over one hundred species have been introduced into 

 California, nearly all of them being hardy even when grown in poor soil. They 

 are rapid growers, cases being known where trees have grown to a height 

 of twenty-five feet in six years. At thirty years most of the trees reach ma- 

 turity and thereafter begin to deteriorate. This gives them a ragged ap- 

 pearance which is further intensified by the breaking of the brittle wood of 

 the limbs by the wind. 



Blackwood Acacia 



The blackwood acacia (Acacia melanoxylon) is one of the most common 

 of the acacias particularly in the southern part of California. It is an erect, 

 pyramidal grower and forms a well-shaped head. The leaves are large and 

 oblong and tend to give the tree a funereal aspect which is objectionable when 

 the trees are planted too close together. When young the tree has both 

 blade and feather leaves. The blossoms, which are a very light yellow, appear 

 in heads. 



This tree is well adapted for street and highway planting on account of 

 its rapid growth and symmetrical form. It needs little attention and will 

 stand considerable abuse. It will stand more water than the other acacias 

 and will do well in parkings where there is grass. The tree needs ample room 

 for development and when planted should be headed high to keep it from be- 

 coming too dense. 



Green Wattle 



Green wattle (Acacia decurrens) has pinnately compound foliage, and a 

 wealth of pale yellow blossoms early in the spring. It is a good park and 

 avenue tree, but must be given attention else its habit of growth will be bad. 

 Care should be taken to select erect specimens and prune them during the 

 .first few years following planting. A disadvantage of the tree is that it casts 

 little shade at maturity due to its open head. 



Bailey's Acacia 



Bailey's acacia (Acacia baileyana) is a small tree rarely exceeding thirty- 

 feet in height which is chiefly planted for ornamental purposes. The silvery 

 fern-like foliage, blending with its beautiful golden flowers, makes it the most 



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