Have you been cheering on the Matildas in the World Cup? Ever wondered why our national sporting teams wear green and gold? Have you noticed a blush of golden blossoms around the Central Coast? 

For today's #TuesdayTrails we celebrate our national flower – the wattle!  

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There are over 960 species of wattle plants in Australia and their green foliage and golden flowers colour our landscape from the coast to the desert.

Our national flower is the Golden Wattle Acacia pycnantha which naturally grows across southern NSW, Victoria and South Australia.

There are many species of wattle found on the Central Coast, including two that are listed as Endangered – Bynoe's Wattle Acacia bynoeana and Sunshine Wattle Acacia terminalis subsp. terminalis.  

Did you know that not all species have golden flowers? For example, our local Sweet Wattle Acacia suaveolens and Prickly Moses Acacia ulicifolia put on a beautiful display of pale creamy flowers each winter.

Some more wattley facts: 
•    Acacias are important pioneer plant species as they fix nitrogen in the soil. 
•    They are important for local biodiversity, as many species of bees, ants, beetles and birds rely on wattles for food and shelter.  
•    Indigenous Australians have many uses for Acacias across the country including for tools, weapons, food, fish poisons and tanning fishing nets.

How you can help: 
•    Join our Environmental Volunteer Program to care for our local environment. 
•    Plant a wattle. There are many species available including many that are suitable for the suburban backyard.

A great day to plant your own wattle is on the upcoming National Wattle Day on 1st September. Wattle we have in store next time?

Photo: Prickly Moses, Acacia ulicifolia 
Credit: Andrew Robinson

#LoveOurNaturalAreas #TuesdayTails #Biodiversity #LoveCentralCoast