Acacia redolens
Vanilla-scented wattle, Vanilla-Scented Wattle
no rights reserved · CC0
Family: Fabaceae · Type: Shrub · Not Native
Acacia redolens (Vanilla-scented wattle) is a non-native California shrub in the Fabaceae family, recognized by vanilla scent when crushed is unique diagnostic feature.
Vanilla-scented wattle is a naturalized shrub found in coastal California regions including central Coast, southern Coast, and Peninsular Ranges, typically in disturbed areas and occasionally cultivated along highways at elevations below 200 meters. Flowering from February to May, this plant produces light yellow flowers in small heads that are roughly equal in size to its leaves. Growing as a small shrub to 5 meters tall with slightly angled twigs, it features distinctive resinous branches that release a vanilla scent when crushed. Its simple leaves are oblanceolate, 4 to 7 centimeters long and 5 to 13 millimeters wide, with 5 to 10 somewhat prominent longitudinal veins. The fruit is a dark brown, sickle-shaped pod 3 to 6 centimeters long with a distinctive cream-white seed aril forming a cap.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 13 sympatric species; vanilla scent when crushed is unique diagnostic feature
Habitat and range
Habitat: Uncommon. Disturbed areas; occasionally cultivated along highways and for land reclamation
Elevation: < 200 m
Outside California: native to southwestern Australia
Bloom period
Acacia redolens blooms Feb-May.
How to tell it apart
vs Salix: Acacia has yellow ball-shaped flowers; Salix has catkins with small individual flowers and visible scales.; vs Paraserianthes: Acacia has simple blade-like leaves; Paraserianthes has twice-compound feathery leaves.; vs Eucalyptus: Acacia has yellow ball flowers; Eucalyptus has white to cream flowers with prominent stamens from a cap.; vs Vachellia: Acacia has simple blade-like leaves and no spines; Vachellia has feathery leaves and paired spines.; vs Quercus: Acacia has yellow fuzzy ball flowers; Quercus has separate male catkins and tiny female flowers.
Frequently asked questions
Is Acacia redolens native to California?
No. Acacia redolens is not native to California (recorded as not native).
When does Acacia redolens bloom?
Acacia redolens blooms Feb-May.
What plant family does Acacia redolens belong to?
Acacia redolens is in the Fabaceae family, genus Acacia.
What habitat does Acacia redolens grow in?
Acacia redolens grows in Uncommon. Disturbed areas; occasionally cultivated along highways and for land reclamation.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-10-07
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.