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var. hirta - Form/flower

var. texensis - Form/flower

var. chisosiana - Form/flower

Fabaceae (Leguminosae)

Fern acacia is a low-growing, rounded shrub or sub-shrub with delicate, fern-like foliage that folds together at night and when touched. White round flowers appear sporadically from summer into the fall, followed by 2- to 3-inch seed pods. Unlike most acacias, fern acacia is thornless. It grows equally well in full sun to partial shade, on rocky slopes as well as open woodlands and calcareous grasslands. Since it spreads by rhizomes it may be best in naturalized areas where it is useful as a medium- to low-growing deciduous ground cover. To keep it more compact or to check its growth, trim or mow it in winter when it dies back. Found commonly in the eastern two thirds of the state, it becomes less common to the west. Three varieties have been identified in Texas: var. hirta (A. hirta), which grows in east and central Texas; var. texensis (A. texensis), found in south Texas and the Trans-Pecos, overlapping there with var. chisosiana, found in S. Brewster and Presidio Counties.

Plant Habit or Use: groundcover
small shrub

Exposure: sun
partial sun

Flower Color: white

Blooming Period: summer
fall

Fruit Characteristics: 2 - to 3- inch-long pods

Height: 1 to 3 feet

Width: 2 to 3 feet

Plant Character: deciduous

Heat Tolerance: high

Water Requirements:

Soil Requirements: alkaline
adaptable

USDA Hardiness Zone: 8

Additional Comments: