Acacia ashbyae is a spreading, small to medium shrub that will reach a height of two metres with a spread of three metres.
The phyllodes vary in shape and are usually 3-9 centimetres long by 1-3 millimetres wide. They are flat, light green and new growth is clothed in white to cream hairs.
Flowers are held in rod-like clusters, about one centimetre long, bright yellow and carried in short racemes. Flowers make an appearance in mid spring. Pods are narrow, brittle and constricted between seeds.
Acacia ashbyae occurs in the Geraldton area, north of Perth, Western Australia.
Acacia ashbyae is a very decorative wattle with long, spreading branches. In our garden plants have proved to be hardy once established, fast growing and free flowering. Pruning is appreciated after flowering.
Propagate from seed that should be soaked in boiling water before sowing and cuttings. We find that this species is one of the easiest wattles to propagate from cuttings.
The species was first named in 1974 and named after Miss Alison Ashby who was a 20th century plant collector and skilled botanical artist.