The name of wattle comes from an ancient construction technique called wattle and daub.Simply put, that is to daub a layer of mud or clay outside a woven lattice of wooden strips called "wattle". When the early European settlers arrived here, they found the branches of this kind of tree were quite flexible and were very fit to make wood frames. So they named the tree wattle.
Wattle has a big family. There are more than 1,000 different species of wattle in the world. They vary outstandingly in every aspect, from shapes, sizes, colors, life-span to growing environments and growing speeds.
Wattle flowers bloom in late winter and early spring. That’s why it is often a symbol of renewal and spring. The first day of September each year when Australian spring begins is celebrated as National Wattle Day.
Golden wattle is famous for its fluffy bright yellow ball-shaped flowers.
Many Australians like them so much that golden wattle is chosen as Australia’s national floral emblem.Its branches appear on Australia’s coat of arms since 1912.
It is also used as a symbol of remembrance in many memorial events. Besides its bright yellow followers, they are admired by their resilience. Wattle is adaptive to Australia’s droughts, winds, soil and bushfires. Inspired by this trait, Australian Olympians and national sporting teams wear green and gold jerseys. Green stands for the wattle leaf and gold for its flower.
Some wattles are used to make perfumes and oils. Indigenous Australians have used wattle for thousands of years. Wattles provide nectar for birds and insects, and the seeds are food for animals. Plus, they’re great for soil health because they can fix nitrogen, which helps improve the quality of the soil.