
Photo: Nick LambertCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Weeping wattle Plant Care
Acacia comans W.Fitzg.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Featuring long, slender leaves with a silvery-green hue, this plant hails from Australia and is highly sought after by plant collectors for its striking foliage. The unique color and shape of the leaves make Acacia comans a visually captivating addition to any collection.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun
50–90°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Weeping wattle?
Plant Weeping wattle in full sun (USDA zones 9b–11a) and water a young tree every 7–14 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 50–90°F (10–32°C). Fertilize it every 8 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Weeping wattle Native To?
What Is the Weeping wattle?
Weeping wattle (Acacia comans) belongs to the Fabaceae family within the Acacia genus. Weeping wattle is native to an area along the west coast Western Australia.
Weeping wattle displays a tall, spreading tree growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 20 ft. Weeping wattle produces clusters of small yellow or white flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Weeping wattle?
Water a young or newly planted Weeping wattle every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–14 days
Until established; then in dry spells
What Light Does the Weeping wattle Need?
Weeping wattle thrives in full sun.
Light Requirement
Full sun
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Weeping wattle Prefer?
Acacia comans tolerates temperatures of 50–90°F. Weeping wattle prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
50–90°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Weeping wattle?
Well-draining sandy soil mix with some organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Weeping wattle to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Weeping wattle?
Feed Weeping wattle every 8 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.
Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.
Fertilizing
Every 8 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
Where Should You Plant a Weeping wattle?
Choose a spot with full sun and well-draining sandy soil mix with some organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.
Weeping wattle is suited to USDA Zone 9b – 11a.
Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.
How Far Apart Should You Plant a Weeping wattle?
Weeping wattle can spread to about 20 ft (6.1 m) and reach about 30 ft (9 m) tall. Space plants about 20 ft (6.1 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.
Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.
How Do You Prune a Weeping wattle?
Prune Weeping wattle while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.
If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.
How Do You Care for a Weeping wattle in Winter?
Weeping wattle is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 9). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.
How Do You Propagate a Weeping wattle?
Weeping wattle can be propagated through seeds, cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to gold dust wattle plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Weeping wattle Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Weeping wattle, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Weeping wattle?
Weeping wattle is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, caterpillars. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Weeping wattle Need?
Weeping wattle grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9b – 11a. It survives winters down to planting zone 9b. Weeping wattle is native to an area along the west coast Western Australia. In cooler regions, grow Weeping wattle as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 9b – 11a
Keep exploring plants
Weeping wattle is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Acacia genus — compare its care with other Acacia species on PlantoScan.
Acacia is part of the Fabaceae plant family — browse all Fabaceae genera and species.
Weeping wattle thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Acacia Species
Other Acacia species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Acacia comans W.Fitzg., family Fabaceae (first published in J. Western Australia Nat. Hist. Soc. 1: 5 (1904)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Weeping wattle, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: Nick Lambert, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 9b – 11a, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
