Golden wattle is Australia’s national floral emblem and a common plant in many Australian habitats.
Golden wattle is the common name for Acacia pycnantha, a shrub native to southeastern Australia. It produces clusters of bright yellow flowers and flattened green phyllodes, which are leaf-like structures adapted to dry conditions. The plant belongs to the enormous Acacia genus, represented by many species across Australia.
Golden wattle was formally proclaimed Australia’s floral emblem in 1988. Its flowering is commemorated on 1 September, which is observed as National Wattle Day. The plant’s colours also connect with the green and gold commonly associated with Australian national identity.
Golden wattle supports local ecosystems by providing shelter and resources for insects and other animals. It is sometimes confused with the red waratah, New South Wales’s floral emblem, but the two plants belong to different genera and have very different flowers.