Sweet acacia

Vachellia farnesiana

Long-lived deciduous legume shrub or tree up to 30 ft. tall with long spines in pairs and incredibly fragrant yellow to orange flower globes, blooming March to November. Evergreen in mild winters. Adapted to a wide variety of soils types, occurring on arroyos, plains and low slopes within arid scrub communities in southwestern deserts; up to 6,000 ft. elevation. Pantropical species, also native to northern Australia and southern Asia. Popular in xeriscape landscaping in the southwestern desert states and Mexico. Caterpillar host of the Dot-lined angle moth.