Tree identification manual - North East Downs Landcare Group

Brigalow
Botanical name
Acacia harpophylla
Areas
1 & 5
Distribution
Common on heavy clay soils of the downs area often as pure stands or associated with belah, box or wilga.
Description
Height: Up to 20 metres.
Bark: Black and fissured.
Leaves: Curved, clustered, frosted steel blue hue.
Inflorescence: Flowers are pale yellow and appear in small bunches.
Fruit: Short pods which appear infrequently and are not readily distinguished from leaves.
Distinctive features
Often seen in dense thickets in disturbed areas. Characteristic dark rough bark and shiny silver grey foliage.
Propagates readily from root suckers.
Vegetation community
Brigalow-belah open forest to layered open forest.
Associated soils
Associated with the undulating to moderately hilly areas of shallow to moderately deep soils. Soils are grey
and brown loams and clay loams to heavy grey clays in lower areas. Extensive clearing of these communities
for cropping has occurred and little of the natural community remains. Considerable overclearing has
resulted in serious erosion.
Local example
Brigalow remnants are common through the heavier soil type areas. Specimens can be found on the
Oakey-Cooyar Rd, 8km from Oakey.
NOTES: Brigalow is well known for its ability to sucker from the roots if disturbed. The timber is of good
quality for ornamental uses if well seasoned.
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