Tall shrub to small tree. Phyllodes oblong to linear-lanceolate, 5-15 cm long, 5-15 mm wide with several prominent longitudinal veins. Gland prominent near the base on upper margin. Flowers in bright yellow spikes; winter to spring. Fruit pod linear, 5-15 cm long, 4-8 mm wide, usually contracted between the seeds.

var. sophorae (Labill.) Benth. is a coastal variety with broader, thicker phyllodes 1-3 cm wide, less than 5 times longer than broad and fruits that become coiled or contorted. Syn. A. sophorae (Labill.) R. Br.

Other specimens with cylindrical flower heads include: A. aulacocarpa Benth., Brown Salwood (Hickory Wattle, Brush Ironbark Wattle), from WA, Qld, NT and NSW which has fruit pods with unusual prominent veins; A. doratoxylon A. Cunn., Currawong (Lancewood), from NSW and Vic which has all veins separate, not reticulate in the 3-8 mm wide phyllodes; and A. denticulosa F. Muell. from WA which has large leaves with prickly edges and flowers in long cylindrical spikes.

Vic, NSW, Qld, SA, Tas.

Several veins in leaves; gland present.

Source: Spencer, R. (2002). Mimosaceae. In: Spencer, R.. Horticultural Flora of South-eastern Australia. Volume 3. Flowering plants. Dicotyledons. Part 2. The identification of garden and cultivated plants. University of New South Wales Press.