Tree identification manual - North East Downs Landcare Group

Sally wattle, doolan, native willow
Botanical name
Acacia salicina
Areas
3,4,5 & 6
Usual flowering time
February to May
Distribution
Found commonly throughout much of southern, central and western Queensland. Predominantly on heavier
soil types in alluvial plains.
Description
Height: 10 to 15m tall with well defined main stem and drooping branches.
Bark: Hard and rough, grey brown and fissured at base; smooth and grey on upper branches.
Leaves: Variable in shape and size 4 to 17 cm, long, pale green or dark green. Straight or curved with a
prominent mid rib.
Inflorescence: Cream or pale yellow flowers in globular heads.
Fruits: Light brown coloured pods which are woody and have thick edges. Seeds are shiny black and
attached to the pod by fleshy red tissue.
Distinctive features
A thick foliaged wattle which looks a bit like a weeping willow. Often found around watercourses.
Distinguished from fragrant myall by thicker leaves. It is very vigorous and frequently suckers from the roots
when disturbed.
Vegetation community
This species occurs in a range of plant communities including riverine and flood plain forests and brigalow
scrubs.
Associated soils
Heavy cracking clays to red earths. Soils may be of moderate to low fertility and may be alkaline or saline.
Local example
Sally wattle can be found on hilly country along the Goombungee-Kulpi Road just east of the Oakey turnoff.
NOTES: This tree is an excellent shade tree on heavy clay soils. Its suckering habit makes it a good
windbreak but may cause problems in gardens or ungrazed areas. The tree is useful as fodder once stock
become accustomed to it.
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