Photo: maxarkCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
MacDonnell Range Wattle Plant Care
Acacia macdonnellensis Maconochie
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Acacia macdonnelliensis, commonly known as the MacDonnell mulga or the Hill mulga, is a species of Acacia native to central Australia. The Indigenous Australians the Alyawarr peoples know the plant as irrar, the Kaytetye know it as arleth-arlethe or arwele arleth-arlethe and the Western Arrernte peoples know it as irrkwarteke.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun
50–90°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for MacDonnell Range Wattle?
Plant MacDonnell Range Wattle in full sun (USDA zones 12a) 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 MacDonnell Range Wattle Native To?
What Is the MacDonnell Range Wattle?
MacDonnell Range Wattle (Acacia macdonnellensis) belongs to the Fabaceae family within the Acacia genus. MacDonnell Range Wattle is native to central Australia.
MacDonnell Range Wattle displays a tall, spreading tree growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 20 ft. MacDonnell Range Wattle produces clusters of small yellow or white flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a MacDonnell Range Wattle?
Water a young or newly planted MacDonnell Range 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 MacDonnell Range Wattle Need?
MacDonnell Range Wattle thrives in full sun.
Light Requirement
Full sun
What Temperature and Humidity Does the MacDonnell Range Wattle Prefer?
Acacia macdonnellensis tolerates temperatures of 50–90°F. MacDonnell Range Wattle prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
50–90°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a MacDonnell Range Wattle?
Well-draining sandy soil mix with some organic matter. Good drainage is essential for MacDonnell Range Wattle to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a MacDonnell Range Wattle?
Feed MacDonnell Range 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 MacDonnell Range 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.
MacDonnell Range Wattle is suited to USDA Zone 12a.
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 MacDonnell Range Wattle?
MacDonnell Range 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 MacDonnell Range Wattle?
Prune MacDonnell Range 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 MacDonnell Range Wattle in Winter?
MacDonnell Range Wattle is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). 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 MacDonnell Range Wattle?
MacDonnell Range 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 MacDonnell Range Wattle Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list MacDonnell Range 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 MacDonnell Range Wattle?
MacDonnell Range 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 MacDonnell Range Wattle Need?
MacDonnell Range Wattle grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. MacDonnell Range Wattle is native to central Australia. In cooler regions, grow MacDonnell Range Wattle as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 12a
Keep exploring plants
MacDonnell Range 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.
MacDonnell Range 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 macdonnellensis Maconochie, family Fabaceae — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list MacDonnell Range 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: maxark, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 12a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- 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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