Sweet Acacia, Huisache, Popinac, or Cassie
The Sweet Acacia’s (Acacia farnesiana) blooms are wonderful little golden yellow puffballs with an amazingly sweet scent that is reminiscent of grape flavored Pez candy. The plant is a member of the Mimosa family.
The leaves and berries of Wax Myrtle may be used for flavoring meats (especially wild game) and stews in a manner similar to Bay leaves or Juniper berries.
Plant Facts:
Common Name: Sweet Acacia, Huisache, Popinac, or Cassie
Botanical Name: Acacia farnesiana
Family: Mimosaceae
Plant Type: Deciduous tree
Origin: Native to North America
Zones: 9 – 11
Height: 30′
Rate of Growth: Moderately fast
Salt Tolerance: Medium
Soil Requirements: Most any well drained soil
Water Requirements: Drought tolerant, but looks better and holds leaves longer with an adequate supply of water
Nutritional Requirements: Balanced liquid fertilizer monthly
Light Requirements: Full sun
Form: Multi-trunked shrub or small tree growing at least as wide as it does high
Leaves: Pinnate, dark green, feathery, 4-5″ long
Flowers: Deep golden yellow balls
Fruits: Bean-like pods
Pests or diseases: None major
Uses: Specimen plant
Bad Habits: Flowers attract many bees and butterflies
Cost: $$ — Very reasonable
Propagation: Seeds, very easy
Source (“As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.”): THE TROPICAL LOOK: AN ENCYCLOPEDIA OF DRAMATIC LANDSCAPE PLANTS; NATIVE FLORIDA PLANTS, REVISED EDITION
