| Botanic name | Acacia binervia |
| Other names | Coast myall |
| Main Origin | Eastern to southeastern Australia |
| Mature size | 5 – 8 m x 5 – 8 m (w x h) |
| Mature form | Upright shrub or tree with a broad, rounded canopy |
| Foliage | Spear- or sickle-shaped, blue- or grey-green |
| Growth rate | Fast |
| Position | Full sun, part shade |
| Soil | Adapts to most soils |
| Water | Minimal, deep watering during extended dry periods |
| Climate | Mediterranean, temperate, mild subtropical |
| Flower | Prolific, bright yellow, cylindrical spikes in spring |
| Use | Feature specimen, informal screening, avenue planting |
| Notes | Suitable for coastal sites |
IN THIS ARTICLE
Origin and distribution
Acacia binervia, or Coast Myall, is a striking, fast-growing Australian native wattle valued for its resilience, beauty, and ecological importance.
Native to eastern Australia’s coastal and subcoastal regions, it is often found in open woodland and dry forest, along watercourses, at the back of beach dunes, or on rocky slopes. While it is common in coastal or near-coastal areas, the species inhabits further west, far into inland regions.
Unlike many other Acacia species, Coast Myall is an excellent non-invasive choice for responsible planting. It is highly valuable not only for urban and rural greening but for various ecological projects, such as dune stabilisation, bushland restoration and revegetation.
Growth and care
Acacia binervia thrives in temperate and mild subtropical regions with warm to hot summers, mild to cool winters and moderate to high rainfall. It also adapts well to the drier Mediterranean climate in cultivation.
This species naturally grows on various substrates from the fertile floodplain soil to nutrient-poor, stony and rocky soils. While it reliably performs in well-drained sandy or gravelly soils, it adapts well to heavy clay with reasonable drainage. This plant thrives in slightly acidic to neutral soils but is not bothered by some alkalinity.
As a coastal species, Acacia binervia is tolerant of salinity. Although it is not the first-line coastal plant, it can withstand some saltwater exposure and resist salt spray.
Coast Myall is also highly drought tolerant. It can withstand periods of drought once established, making it a low-maintenance option for dry gardens. The plant can withstand cold temperatures to -7°C and is frost-hardy.
The plant generally does not require additional fertilisation due to its nitrogen-fixing ability. However, adding compost and organic matter when planting can provide a nutritional boost and benefit its growth in poor soil.
Acacia binervia requires minimal maintenance, although regular pruning can maintain its shape and health. If a tree form is desired, identify the central leader and prune away low branches while the plant is young. Pruning is best performed after flowering, typically in late spring or early summer.
Features
Acacia binervia is a versatile, fast-growing Australian native that can grow as either a large shrub or a small tree, typically reaching a height of 5 to 8 metres in cultivation and up to 16 metres in optimal conditions.
The species often forms a spreading, dense canopy with branches extending outwards, providing excellent screening and shelter for wildlife. Its trunk is straight and covered in greyish brown or dark brown bark that becomes furrowed with age.
Its foliage is one of its defining features – spear or sickle-shaped, greyish or blue-green, with a hint of silvery colouration. These attractive leaves are leathery and marked by two prominent veins (binervia). These leaves are exceptionally hardy, helping the plant survive in harsh coastal or drought conditions.
With an upright growth habit, spreading canopy and dense, evergreen foliage, this plant is ideal for privacy screens or windbreaks, particularly in rural bushland settings.
In spring, Acacia binervia produces unique, pale to bright yellow, cylindrical flower heads at the base of leaf stalks. These magnificent rod-shaped blossoms are lightly scented, often 2 – 6 cm long, with numerous tiny individual flowers packed closely together. Long, narrow seedpods follow.
Coast Myall is a relatively long-lived wattle species, especially compared to faster-growing, invasive acacias like Acacia dealbata or Acacia baileyana. Under suitable conditions, it can live for 25 to 30 years or more.
Acacia binervia ‘Sterling Silver’
Acacia binervia ‘Sterling Silver’ is a dwarf cultivar of Coast Myall, characterised by striking silvery foliage. Instead of an upright form, this variety adopts a sprawling habit, reaching a width of 2 – 4 metres and a maximum height of 1.5 – 2 metres.
Like its parent species, ‘Sterling Silver’ is highly drought-tolerant. Its stunning foliage is perfect as a feature specimen. The low-growing nature is ideal for informal hedging or border planting.
Its relatively controlled growth habit and subtle beauty have made it increasingly popular in landscape design for creating soft backdrops or silvery highlights among bolder native plantings.
