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.

ACACIA FARNESIANA TREE.

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

ACACIA FARNESIANA FLOWERS AND UNRIPE SEED PODS.

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