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Native Plant Society of Texas

Blackbrush Acacia

Vachellia rigidula

Other common name(s):

Blackbrush, Chaparro Prieto, Gavia

Family:

Fabaceae (Pea Family)

Plant Ecoregion Distribution Map

Gulf Coast Prairies and Marshes, Southern Texas Plains
Laguna Madre Barrier Island and Coastal Marshes, Southern Subhumid Gulf Coastal Prairies
Northern Nueces Alluvial Plains, Rio Grande Floodplain and Terraces, Semiarid Edwards Bajada, Texas-Tamaulipan Thornscrub

Plant Characteristics

Growth Form

Shrub, Tree

Height

6
to
19
ft.

Spread

2
to
4
ft.

Leaf Retention

Deciduous

Lifespan

Perennial

Habitat and Care Requirements

Soil Type(s)

Sand, Loam, Clay, Limestone, Dry

Light Requirement

Part Shade

Water Requirement

Medium

Native Habitat

Grassland

Bloom and Attraction

Bloom Color

White, Yellow

Bloom Season

Spring

Seasonal Interest

Seeds, Forage, Nectar, Pollen

Wildlife Benefit

Butterflies, Birds, Deer, Moths, Bees

Maintenance

Drought tolerant needing very little supplemental water. Slow-growing but vigorous, blackbrush acacia suckers readily. Give lots of room or the suckers can be removed at ground level. Pruning encourages dense branching and more flowers. This plant has been used both as an ornamental and for erosion control. Plant away from high traffic areas due to spiny stems. Works well in rock gardens or xeriscapes or as hedges and screens. Native habitat: prairie, plains, meadows, pastures, savannas, chaparral and brush country, roadsides, limestone hills and canyons. Propagation: seed.

Comments

Blooms March-June. Can grow as a small tree or tall shrub. It has numerous, straight, thorny branches with light gray bark. The small compound leaves are glossy and dark green. Produces tiny fragrant flowers clustered on 2-inch spikes. The fruit is a brown legume pod.
Previous Scientific Name(s): Acacia amentacea, Acacia rigidula

References

Learn about how to propagate Texas native plants.

Material Treatment Method Collection References
Seed Scarification Soaking seeds in concentrated sulfuric acid for 30 minutes has shown to enhance germination. It is important to keep the soil or cutting environment moist but not waterlogged. It can take several weeks for new roots to form, so be patient and continue to care for the plant during this time. Once the plant has established roots, it can be potted up into a larger container or planted in the garden. Collect seeds in late summer to early fall when seeds are firm, filled out, and dark brown 1) https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=VARI 2) https://plantiary.com/plant/vachellia-rigidula_51059.html
Stem Cutting Dip the cut end in a rooting hormone and plant it in a well-draining soil mix. Keep the soil moist and provide indirect light for the cutting to root successfully. It is important to keep the soil or cutting environment moist but not waterlogged. Covering with plastic bag can help maintain humidity. It can take several weeks for new roots to form, so be patient and continue to care for the plant during this time. Once the plant has established roots, it can be potted up into a larger container or planted in the garden. Select a healthy stem with at least two nodes and remove any leaves from the lower part of the cutting. 1) https://plantiary.com/plant/vachellia-rigidula_51059.html 2) https://plantiary.com/plant/vachellia-rigidula_51059.html 3) https://www.picturethisai.com/care/Vachellia_rigidula.html

Blackbrush Acacia

Vachellia rigidula

Other names:

Blackbrush, Chaparro Prieto, Gavia

Family:

Fabaceae (Pea Family)

Characteristics
Growth Form:
Shrub, Tree
Height:
6
to
19
ft.
Spread:
2
to
4
ft.
Leaf Retention:
Deciduous
Lifespan:
Perennial
Soil:
Sand, Loam, Clay, Limestone, Dry
Light:
Part Shade
Water:
Medium
Native Habitat:
Grassland
Photo Credit: Anderson, Wynn, https://www.wildflower.org/gallery/result.php?id_image=161849
Photo Credit: Anderson, Wynn, https://www.wildflower.org/gallery/result.php?id_image=154941
Photo Credit: Marcus, Joseph A., https://www.wildflower.org/gallery/result.php?id_image=12040
Photo Credit: nderson, Wynn, https://www.wildflower.org/gallery/result.php?id_image=80388
Gulf Coast Prairies and Marshes, Southern Texas Plains
Laguna Madre Barrier Island and Coastal Marshes, Southern Subhumid Gulf Coastal Prairies
Northern Nueces Alluvial Plains, Rio Grande Floodplain and Terraces, Semiarid Edwards Bajada, Texas-Tamaulipan Thornscrub
Color:
White, Yellow
Season:
Spring
Seasonal Interest:
Seeds, Forage, Nectar, Pollen
Wildlife Benefit:
Butterflies, Birds, Deer, Moths, Bees
Drought tolerant needing very little supplemental water. Slow-growing but vigorous, blackbrush acacia suckers readily. Give lots of room or the suckers can be removed at ground level. Pruning encourages dense branching and more flowers. This plant has been used both as an ornamental and for erosion control. Plant away from high traffic areas due to spiny stems. Works well in rock gardens or xeriscapes or as hedges and screens. Native habitat: prairie, plains, meadows, pastures, savannas, chaparral and brush country, roadsides, limestone hills and canyons. Propagation: seed.
Blooms March-June. Can grow as a small tree or tall shrub. It has numerous, straight, thorny branches with light gray bark. The small compound leaves are glossy and dark green. Produces tiny fragrant flowers clustered on 2-inch spikes. The fruit is a brown legume pod.

Learn about how to propagate Texas native plants.

Material Treatment Method Collection References
Seed Scarification Soaking seeds in concentrated sulfuric acid for 30 minutes has shown to enhance germination. It is important to keep the soil or cutting environment moist but not waterlogged. It can take several weeks for new roots to form, so be patient and continue to care for the plant during this time. Once the plant has established roots, it can be potted up into a larger container or planted in the garden. Collect seeds in late summer to early fall when seeds are firm, filled out, and dark brown 1) https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=VARI 2) https://plantiary.com/plant/vachellia-rigidula_51059.html
Stem Cutting Dip the cut end in a rooting hormone and plant it in a well-draining soil mix. Keep the soil moist and provide indirect light for the cutting to root successfully. It is important to keep the soil or cutting environment moist but not waterlogged. Covering with plastic bag can help maintain humidity. It can take several weeks for new roots to form, so be patient and continue to care for the plant during this time. Once the plant has established roots, it can be potted up into a larger container or planted in the garden. Select a healthy stem with at least two nodes and remove any leaves from the lower part of the cutting. 1) https://plantiary.com/plant/vachellia-rigidula_51059.html 2) https://plantiary.com/plant/vachellia-rigidula_51059.html 3) https://www.picturethisai.com/care/Vachellia_rigidula.html
Previous Scientific Name(s): Acacia amentacea, Acacia rigidula

About the Region

Fall Symposium 2025 Logo - Teach for the Future

Salado, the location of our Fall 2025 Symposium, lies at the intersection of two ecoregions: the Edwards Plateau (Limestone Cut Plain) and Blackland Prairie (Northern Blackland Prairie).

The Edwards Plateau area is also called the Hill Country; however, this general term covers a much larger area extending farther north. Spring-fed creeks are found throughout the region; deep limestone canyons, rivers, and lakes (reservoirs) are common. Ashe juniper is perhaps the most common woody species found throughout the region. Additional woody species include various species of oak, with live oak (Quercus fusiformis) being the most common. Sycamores (Platanus occidentalis) and bald cypress (Taxodium distichum) border waterways. This area is well known for its spring wildflower displays, though they may be viewed in spring, late summer, and fall, as well. According to Texas Parks and Wildlife, average annual rainfall in the Edwards Plateau ranges from 15 to 34 inches.

The Blackland Prairie extends from the Red River south to San Antonio, bordered on the west by the Edwards Plateau and the Cross Timbers, and on the east by the Post Oak Savannah. Annual rainfall averages 30 to 40 inches, with higher averages to the east. This region is dominated by prairie species. The most common grass species include little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) and Indian grass (Sorghastrum nutans) in the uplands and switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) in the riparian areas and drainages. Common herbaceous flowering plants include salvias, penstemons, and silphiums. This area has suffered greatly from overgrazing and agricultural use. Few intact areas remain, though many of the plants can be found along county roadsides throughout the region.

Our four host chapters (New Braunfels, Lindheimer, Guadalupe, and the Hill Country chapters) are located in one or both of the ecoregions above. However, the eastern portion of Guadalupe County also falls within the Post Oak Savanna ecoregion. Annual rainfall averages 35 to 45 inches, with higher averages to the east. A wide variety of hardwood trees are found, including several species of oaks, elms, and in the Bastrop area, loblolly pine (Pinus taeda). Grasses and forbs dominate in the open savannas, with most common grass being little bluestem. Ranching, agriculture, and fire suppression have allowed woody species to encroach on the once-open savannas.

Source: Wildflowers of Texas by Michael Eason