Prickly Acacia

Acacia nilotica subsp. adstringens, Fabaceae

Zones

9–12

Layer

Understory

Lifespan

Perennial

Growth

Moderate

Guild Roles

Nitrogen FixerWindbreakShade ProviderBeneficial Insect Habitat

Growing Conditions

Sun

Full Sun (preferred)

Water

Low (established)Moderate (seedling)

Soil pH

6 – 8.5

Tolerances

Drought

Frost

Heat

Pest Resistance

Disease Resist.

Companion Plants

Desert CaperCapparis decidua

Nitrogen FixationBeneficial Insect Habitat

African MesquiteProsopis africana

Nitrogen FixationBeneficial Insect Habitat

Bead BeanMaerua oblongifolia

Nitrogen FixationNurse PlantWind Protection

Antagonistic Plants

Sweet AcaciaAcacia farnesiana

Two Acacia species competing for similar resources with potential allelopathic interference from similar secondary compounds

Whitethorn AcaciaVachellia constricta

Related acacia species with overlapping resource requirements and allelopathic potential

Uses

Functions

Nitrogen FixationWindbreakLiving FenceErosion Control

Edible Parts

SeedsPodsGum

Medicinal Uses

AntimicrobialWound HealingDiarrhea Treatment

Common Questions

What zones does Prickly Acacia grow in?

Prickly Acacia grows in USDA hardiness zones 9 through 12.

Is Prickly Acacia a nitrogen fixer?

Yes, Prickly Acacia is a nitrogen fixer and can help provide nitrogen to neighboring plants in a guild or polyculture.

What are good companion plants for Prickly Acacia?

Good companions for Prickly Acacia include Desert Caper, African Mesquite, Bead Bean.

Design guilds with Prickly Acacia and see companion relationships visually.

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