Acacias for the Southwest* 



BY E. H. SPOOR, REDLANDS, CALIFORNIA 



Among all the trees and shrubs that are grown in the temperate and subtropical 

 zones, there are probably none so highly decorative and ornamental as the Acacias. 

 This genus came originally from Australia. It is one of the largest known, com- 

 prising about four hundred species. The conditions being similar to their native 

 country, they thrive, and are able to reach their very best development here. They 

 are easily raised from seed, and are quite hardy and vigorous growers. 



The Acacias are adapted to many uses. The plants vary widely in form from 

 dwarf shrubs to gigantic trees; also ranging from wide spreading shrubs, such 

 as cultriformis, to the most symmetrical tree, as the melanoxylon. Some usually 

 have the phyllodes or blade leaves, while others have the bipinnated or feather 

 leaves. A great many are useful as street trees; some beautify the lawns; others 

 make fine hedges. The blossoms differ in form from minute globules to long 

 cylindrical spikes, and in color from a creamy-white to a deep orange. All are 

 abundant bloomers. Some of these do well along the coast in the poorest land 

 nearly in touch of the salt spray, while others meet the demands of the hot interior 

 valleys. Being hardy these grow after a start with practically no care at all; but 

 if given a small amount of care and plenty of water, it is astonishing the way 

 they grow. The Acacias possess an enormous range of foliage forms, and may 

 be so arranged as to give constant succession of bloom the year around. Thriving 

 with the greatest of success they are indispensable in the gardens or on the street. 



Propagate by seeds sown between March and August; the earlier started the 

 better. The seeds should be soaked twenty-four hours in hot water before plant- 

 ing. Plant in large pots or flats, with light soil and drainage. Cover with one- 

 eighth of an inch of soil, mixed half in half with sand, with a limited admixture 

 of wood ashes. They will be from a few days to two or three weeks in sprouting. 

 As soon as they are up, prick out into flats or small pots. They should be shaded, 

 but given all the sunlight they will bear. The greatest care should be exer- 

 cised in watering. Keep moist, but not wet, or they will be likely to "damp off." 

 If grown in pots until they are from two to four feet high, they will do much better 

 when set out. Some varieties which grow much faster than others will be ready to 

 set out the following spring, but generally they are too small until the second 

 spring. If given plenty of water when set out they will make remarkable growth. 



The following are lists of all species used and where they may be obtained ; also 

 detailed lists for the different purposes: 



Seeds Offered by Southern California Seedsmen: 



Acacia acinacea. A. macradenia. 



A. albicans. A. melanoxylon spectabilis. 



A. armata. A. mollissima. 



A.baileyana. A. myrtifolia. 



A. cavenia. A. neriifolia var. floribunda. 



A. cultriformis. A. notabilis. 



