Raspberry Jam Wattle (Acacia acuminata)

Description

Raspberry Jam Wattle (Acacia acuminata) is a small to medium-sized Australian native tree renowned for its dense, fine timber, sweet-scented heartwood, and ecological importance in arid and semi-arid landscapes. Endemic to Western Australia, it thrives in full sun and well-drained soils, tolerating drought, frost, and poor conditions, making it a valuable species for land restoration, agroforestry, and low-input garden systems.

Typically growing 3–7 metres tall, this wattle forms a slender, upright habit with fine, narrow phyllodes and small yellow ball-shaped flowers that bloom in late winter and spring. While the flowers attract pollinators, the tree’s name comes from the unique raspberry-like aroma of the freshly cut timber — a highly distinctive and sought-after trait. The wood itself is extremely dense, durable, and termite-resistant, historically used for fence posts, tool handles, and small craftwork.

As a legume, Raspberry Jam Wattle is a nitrogen fixer, enriching the soil and acting as a support species for food forests, bush blocks, and silvopasture systems. It is also suitable as a shelterbelt species, producing moderate shade and strong wind protection. It supports native wildlife, particularly small birds and insects, with its dense canopy and flowering cycle.

Although not commonly used for human food, First Nations Australians have traditionally used parts of the plant in bush medicine and cultural practices. It is a slow-growing but deeply rewarding species that provides long-term ecological and structural value in sustainable landscapes.