Family: Fabaceae

Acacia holosericea, commonly known as candelabra wattle or silverleaf wattle, is a fast-growing shrub native to northern Australia. It typically reaches heights of 3 to 8 meters and spreads up to 4 meters wide, forming a dense, multi-stemmed habit. The plant is characterized by its silvery-grey phyllodes (flattened leaf-like structures), which are 10–25 cm long and 1.5–9.6 cm wide, featuring 3–5 prominent veins. In spring and summer, it produces bright yellow, rod-like flower spikes 3–6 cm long, followed by tightly coiled seed pods that twist irregularly and contain small, shiny black seeds.

Although Acacia holosericea is not native to Hawaii, it has been introduced and cultivated in various locations, including Kaua‘i. Its high adaptability to tropical and subtropical climates, along with its nitrogen-fixing ability, makes it suitable for land rehabilitation and as a windbreak. However, the plant has been assessed with a high-risk rating in Hawaii due to its prolific seed production, potential for rapid spread, and limited natural control mechanisms. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid planting Acacia holosericea in Hawaii to prevent ecological disruption.

High Risk Traits:

• Elevation range exceeds 1000 m, demonstrating environmental versatility
  
• Thrives in tropical climates
  
• Other Acacia species are invasive
  
• Potentially allelopathic
  
• Low palatability
  
• Seeds may be toxic
  
• Tolerates many soil types
  
• Reproduces by seeds
  
• Reaches maturity in <1 year
  
• Seeds dispersed by ants, birds, other animals, possibly by water and intentionally by people
  
• Prolific seed production (densities unknown)
  
• Seeds able to be stored for extended periods; May form a persistent seed bank

Low Risk Traits:

• No reports of naturalization, or negative impacts, despite widespread cultivation outside native range
  
• Unarmed (no spines, thorns, or burrs)
  
• Ornamental
  
• Not reported to spread vegetatively