Umbrella thorn acacia Vachellia tortilis
Umbrella thorn acacia (Vachellia tortilis) is an evergreen perennial tree in the Fabaceae family, native to Africa and the Middle East. It grows 4–15 m (13–49 ft) tall and 6–15 m (20–49 ft) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -4 °C (25 °F). Space plants about 9 m (30 ft) apart.
Plan Umbrella thorn acacia in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Umbrella thorn acacia at a glance
| Type | Perennial tree, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Mature height | 4–15 m (13–49 ft) |
| Mature spread | 6–15 m (20–49 ft) |
| Spacing | 9 m (30 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 8 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance high, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6–9 |
| Cold hardiness | About -4 °C (25 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 9) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 50 °C (122 °F) |
| Flowering | from about May for 4–9 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | High |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Africa and the Middle East |
| Common in gardens of | 🇰🇪 Kenya, 🇪🇬 Egypt, 🇮🇱 Israel, 🇪🇹 Ethiopia |
Is Umbrella thorn acacia toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: mildly toxic
- Dogs: mildly toxic
- Parts: thorns
Long straight and short hooked thorns.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Umbrella thorn acacia
Good neighbours
- good With Sweet corn: "Three sisters": climbing beans use corn as a support and fix nitrogen; the benefit to the corn is modest but real in low-input soils. Evidence C
Keep apart or take care
- caution With Alliums (onion family): Onions, garlic and leeks are said to stunt beans and peas (allium root exudates may reduce nodulation). Traditional companion-planting advice; controlled trials are few, so treat it as a soft preference. Evidence D
- caution With Alliums (onion family): Beans and peas are traditionally kept away from onions, garlic and leeks. Traditional companion-planting advice; controlled trials are few, so treat it as a soft preference. Evidence D
- caution With Fennel: Fennel is reported to suppress beans and peas growing next to it. Evidence C
Questions about Umbrella thorn acacia
- How far apart should I plant Umbrella thorn acacia?
- About 9 m (30 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 6–15 m (20–49 ft).
- Does Umbrella thorn acacia need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 8 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Umbrella thorn acacia need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is high and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Umbrella thorn acacia?
- It tolerates about -4 °C (25 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 9.
- When does Umbrella thorn acacia flower?
- From about May for 4–9 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Umbrella thorn acacia poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is mildly toxic; for dogs mildly toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Long straight and short hooked thorns.
- What grows well with Umbrella thorn acacia?
- "Three sisters": climbing beans use corn as a support and fix nitrogen; the benefit to the corn is modest but real in low-input soils.
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- Feedipedia: animal feed resources information system, INRAE, CIRAD, AFZ and FAO
Notes and assumptions
- The flat-topped tree of the savanna; coiled pods are browse for wildlife. Formerly Acacia tortilis.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Bush bean Phaseolus vulgaris
- Garden pea Pisum sativum
- Sweet pea Lathyrus odoratus
- Runner bean Phaseolus coccineus
- Broad bean (fava) Vicia faba
- Lima bean Phaseolus lunatus
- Cowpea (black-eyed pea) Vigna unguiculata
- Yardlong bean Vigna unguiculata subsp. sesquipedalis