Native to Australia, trailing acacia is a low growing and wide spreading ground cover. It grows to about 1 foot tall and can spread to 12 feet across. The leathery leaves are actually the modified petiole of a "true" leaf and are dark olive-green in color. The leaves remain through cold or drought conditions. In the spring, this plant is adorned with small, yellow flowers. Several trailing acacia plants may be grouped to create a continuous ground cover on banks or slopes for excellent, natural erosion control.

Although trailing acacia is quite drought resistant, it also tolerates periodic flooding, and a number of landscape architects have used it successfully in retention basins. This plant requires regular irrigation during the hot summer months. Place trailing acacia in full sun, as it tends to get rangy in the shade. Also, avoid planting it too close to walkways or other plants to prevent the need for frequent pruning.