Huisache (Vachellia farnesiana)
Also known as Texas Huisache or Sweet Acacia.
Huisache is a small tree or shrub with round, fragrant, yellow flowers in late winter or early spring. It commonly occurs in brushy areas, open woodlands, and disturbed areas. It is found in a broad range of soil types, and can tolerate drought conditions, dry, rocky soil, poor soil as well as damp soil. It is a very durable plant, adapted to most soils as long as they are well drained.
Huisache is an early successional species and may form thickets on disturbed sites. Because it blooms early in the year, flowering can be impaired by frost. Its fruit is eaten by white-tailed deer. Javelina and quail doves enjoy its seeds and use it for nesting. Flowers provide nectar for a wide variety of insects.
AT A GLANCE
Texas native | Yes |
Water use | Low |
Sun exposure | Full sun |
Mature height | up to 30 ft |
Mature width | up to 40 ft |
Attracts | Birds, insects, mammals. |
Notes | Has sharp, needle-like thorns. Needs well draining soil. |
DISTRIBUTION MAPS
Present in state |
Present in county and native |
Native to North America, but adventive & escaped in state |
Not present in state |
Present and rare, native in county |
Previously present, now extinct |
Questionable presence (cross-hatched, regardless of color) |