Mountain Cedar Wattle (Acacia elata)

Photo: Shaun SwanepoelCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped

Mountain Cedar Wattle Plant Care

Acacia elata A.Cunn. ex Benth.

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

This plant is easily recognized by its feathery silver-grey foliage that adds a unique texture to any garden. Originating from Australia, the Acacia elata is highly sought after by plant collectors for its drought tolerance and ability to attract birds and butterflies to the garden.

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Water

Every 7–14 days

Light

Full sun

Temp

50–90°F

Humidity

40–70%

At a glance

How do you care for Mountain Cedar Wattle?

Plant Mountain Cedar Wattle in full sun (USDA zones 9a–11b) 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 Mountain Cedar Wattle Native To?

Native range1 country

What Is the Mountain Cedar Wattle?

Mountain Cedar Wattle (Acacia elata) belongs to the Fabaceae family within the Acacia genus. Mountain Cedar Wattle is native to New South Wales. Mountain Cedar Wattle is also known as Tall Cedar Wattle.

Mountain Cedar Wattle displays a tall, spreading tree growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 20 ft. Mountain Cedar Wattle produces clusters of small yellow or white flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Mountain Cedar Wattle?

Water a young or newly planted Mountain Cedar 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 Mountain Cedar Wattle Need?

Mountain Cedar Wattle thrives in full sun.

Light Requirement

Full sun

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Mountain Cedar Wattle Prefer?

Acacia elata tolerates temperatures of 50–90°F. Mountain Cedar Wattle prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Temperature

50–90°F

Humidity

40–70%

What Soil Mix Works Best for a Mountain Cedar Wattle?

Well-draining sandy soil mix with some organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Mountain Cedar Wattle to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

How Often Should You Fertilize a Mountain Cedar Wattle?

Feed Mountain Cedar 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 Mountain Cedar 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.

Mountain Cedar Wattle is suited to USDA Zone 9a – 11b.

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 Mountain Cedar Wattle?

Mountain Cedar 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 Mountain Cedar Wattle?

Prune Mountain Cedar 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 Mountain Cedar Wattle in Winter?

Mountain Cedar 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 Mountain Cedar Wattle?

Mountain Cedar 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 Mountain Cedar Wattle Toxic to Pets and Children?

Pet safety not verified

The ASPCA does not list Mountain Cedar 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 Mountain Cedar Wattle?

Mountain Cedar 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 Mountain Cedar Wattle Need?

Mountain Cedar Wattle grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9a – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9a. Mountain Cedar Wattle is native to New South Wales. In cooler regions, grow Mountain Cedar Wattle as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.

Hardiness Zone

Zone 9a – 11b

Keep exploring plants

Mountain Cedar 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.

Mountain Cedar 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 elata A.Cunn. ex Benth., family Fabaceae (first published in London J. Bot. 1: 383 (1842)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
  • Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Mountain Cedar 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: Shaun Swanepoel, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
  • Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 9a – 11b, 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.

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