Vachellia farnesiana (Sweet Acacia)

Also known as Texas Huisache or Huisache.

Sweet Acacia is a small tree or shrub with round, fragrant, yellow flowers in late winter or early spring. It commonly occurs in brushy areas, open woodlands, and disturbed areas. It is found in a broad range of soil types, and can tolerate drought conditions, dry, rocky soil, poor soil as well as damp soil. Sweet Acacia is a very durable plant, adapted to most soils as long as they are well drained. It casts soft filtered light.

Sweet Acacia is an early successional species and may form thickets on disturbed sites. Because it blooms early in the year, flowering can be impaired by frost. Its fruit is eaten by white-tailed deer. Javelina and quail doves enjoy its seeds and use it for nesting. Flowers provide nectar for a wide variety of insects.

AT A GLANCE

DISTRIBUTION MAPS

USDA MAP

BONAP MAP

Present in state

Present in county and native

Native to North America, but adventive & escaped in state

Not present in state

Present and rare, native in county

Previously present, now extinct

Questionable presence (cross-hatched, regardless of color)