Acacia

Common Names: Acacia, Mimosa, Wattle
Botanical names: Acacia (a-KAY-sha)
Availability: October through March
Vase life: 4 - 5 days
Storage temperatures: 34 to 36 degrees Fahrenheit
Ethylene Sensitive: Yes
Description: Trees with clusters of fragrant, ball-shaped yellow flowers without petals and delicate, gray-green fringe cut leaves.
Color: Yellow
Botanical facts: The name comes from the Greek word akis (sharp point) referring to the thorns.
Design notes: Branches of acacia yellow flower clusters and leaves add motion to a bouquet and work well as fillers.
Purchasing hints: Buy branches when the blossoms are brightly colored and very fuzzy. Cut flowers lose their fuzzy appearance as they age. Avoid blossoms with brown spots.
Conditioning: Break branch ends (or cut with pruners and whittle bark with sharp knife). Hydrate in a solution of water and commercial floral preservative before storage or usage.
Additional notes: Pollen can cause an allergic reaction with some people.