Pineland acacia
Acacia pinetorum

Naturally found in the Homestead area and Big Pine Key growing in calcareous soils with low amounts of organic matter. Will grow throughout Palm Beach County in average sandy soil and withstands prolonged drought once established. Needs protection from salt air and will not tolerate salt water flooding.

The spring flowers are very fragrant and smell like french perfume. Plant near a porch or window for a real spring treat.

The thorns on this three to six foot sprawling shrub are a good barrier to intruders although not dangerous like wild lime. The three inch long pods are interesting, although not a big wildlife food source. It is a larval host of the nickerbean blue which is found in keys.

As a great addition to a Key's or rockland theme try mixing with slash pine, joewood, lignum vitae, the Key palms, coontie, cacti, beach creeper, native wild sage, bloodberry, lignum vitae, rhacoma, little bluestem grass and other bunching grasses or wildflowers.