Acacia podalyriifolia is one of the most popular and widely cultivated of wattles. It is a tall shrub or small tree which reaches about 5 metres in height by a similar spread. Like most members of the genus the mature plant does not have true leaves but has leaf-like flattened stems called phyllodes. In A.podalyriifolia the phyllodes are silvery grey in colour, oval in shape and 20-30mm long.The flowers occur in ball-shaped clusters in the axils of the phyllodes and a golden yellow in colour. Flowering is mainly in late winter and early spring.
A.podalyriifolia is a quick growing plant which may flower in its second year. It is very useful as a quick growing screening plant as it generally retains a bushy shape. The species is suited to a wide range of climates, particularly drier areas, although it can be effected by sooty mould in humid climates. It tolerates at least moderate frosts.