---
title: Blackwood
date: 2024-02-13T16:53:00+11:00
author: Private Forests Tasmania
canonical_url: "https://pft.tas.gov.au/tree-species/blackwood"
section: Tree Species
---
1. [Private Forests Tasmania](/)
2. Blackwood
 

#  Blackwood 

 

 

 

 

 

 ![Shutterstock 1731635659](https://pft.tas.gov.au/volumes/images/Tree-Species/_800x800_crop_center-center_none/80762/shutterstock_1731635659.webp) ![Preferred Commercial Species](/assets/images/preferred.svg) 

## Scientific Name

Acacia melanoxylon

## Family Name

MIMOSACEAE

## Common Name

Blackwood

 

 

### General Information

 

  Height 8.0m - 30.0m (800-3000cm)   Flowers Dense pale yellow heads, globular of 30-50 flowers on stout stalks.   Fruit Seed pods   Form Large erect tree or large shrub.   Municipalities Break O'Day; Brighton; Burnie; Central Coast; Central Highlands; Circular Head; Clarence; Derwent Valley; Devonport; Dorset; Flinders Island; Georgetown; Glamorgan-Spring Bay; Glenorchy; Hobart; Huon Valley; Kentish; King Island; Kingborough; Latrobe; Launceston; Meander Valley; Northern Midlands; Sorell; Southern Midlands; Tasman; Waratah-Wynyard; West Coast; West Tamar   Communities Coastal Vegetation; Dry Eucalypt Forest and Woodland; Rainforest; Riparian; Wet Eucalypt Forest   Habitat Notes Exposed; Moist; Shady; Windy   Site Tolerance Exposed; Moist; Shady; Windy   Frost Tolerance Hardy   Soil Tolerance Fertile; Loam; Poorly-drained; Well-drained   General Notes Good shade tree and shelter in windbreaks. Useful in controlling erosion as it has a vigorous spreading root system and improves soil fertility. It suckers readily or regenerates from seed after disturbance such as fire, ploughing or ripping making it useful for rehabilitative works. Resistant to livestock damage., but young plants are very susceptible to wallaby browsing etc.Resistant to Phytophthora cinnamomi. Susceptible to browsing by hares and rabbits.Koori (mainland) use: The fine hard wood was used to make spearthrowers and shields. Fibre from the inner bark was used to bathe rheumatic joints. The bark and twigs were reputedly used to stupefy fish, enabling easy capture. The gum is edible. Not suitable below powerlines.   

 

### Propagation Details

Flowering MonthsJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecSeed Collecting MonthsJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecSowing MonthsJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecCutting MonthsJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec 

 

 

### Seed Information

 

  Seed Collection Seed pods flattish,curved or coiled 4-12cm long. pick pods just as they start to dry and change colour. spread on sheets. sieve to isolate   Seed Treatment Method Boiling water   Seed Storage Life Very long   Viable Seeds Per Gram 36-45   Seed Treatment Notes Pour boiling water over the seed and allow to soak for 24 hours before sowing. Alternatively boil the seed for about 10 secs before plunging it into cold water and sowing.   Germination Time 2-4 weeks   Suitable For Direct Seeding Yes   

 

### Cuttings

 

  Propagation By Division No   Cutting Notes Most Acacias are readily propagated by seed. Cuttings are possible with "phyllode bearing" Acacias, more so than with "feathery leaved" species.