Blackwood Wattle
Scientific name: Acacia implexa
Overview
Hickory Wattle is an Australian hardwood species native to eastern Australia and valued for its versatility, moderate durability, and attractive warm coloration. Although less commercially prominent than Hawaiian Koa or Australian Blackwood, the species remains respected for furniture making, utility woodworking, and restoration projects throughout Australia.
The wood is typically golden brown to medium reddish brown with occasional darker streaking and subtle figure. Hickory Wattle generally displays a fine texture and smooth appearance that allows it to finish well for interior woodworking applications.
Within the Oceania & Pacific hardwood cluster, Hickory Wattle represents one of the many important Australian acacia species that contribute to the region’s diversity of decorative and utility hardwoods.
Quick Facts
- Common Name: Hickory Wattle
- Scientific Name: Acacia implexa
- Region: Oceania & Pacific Hardwoods (Australia)
- Tree Size: 30–65 ft tall, 1–2 ft trunk diameter
- Average Dried Weight: 42 lbs/ft³ (675 kg/m³)
- Janka Hardness: 1,160 lbf
- Color: Golden brown to reddish brown
- Grain: Straight to slightly interlocked
- Texture: Fine and even
Identification Characteristics
Hickory Wattle is identified by its warm brown coloration, relatively fine texture, and smooth grain appearance. Some boards may display subtle figuring or darker streaking, particularly in older or slower-grown material.
The wood often develops an attractive natural luster after finishing and can visually resemble lighter grades of Australian Blackwood.
Key identification traits include:
- Golden brown to reddish brown coloration
- Fine and even texture
- Straight to slightly interlocked grain
- Moderate natural luster
- Smooth finished appearance
- Occasional darker streaking
- Moderately lightweight feel compared to dense eucalyptus species
Working Properties
Hickory Wattle is generally considered easy to work and suitable for a variety of interior woodworking applications. The wood machines and sands cleanly while producing smooth finished surfaces.
- Machines easily with sharp tools
- Good turning and carving properties
- Accepts stains and finishes effectively
- Sands to a polished surface
- Good dimensional stability
- Moderate nail and screw holding strength
- Good gluing performance
- Suitable for furniture and decorative woodworking
Safety Note
Wood dust from Hickory Wattle may cause irritation in sensitive individuals. Proper dust collection and respiratory protection are recommended during woodworking operations.
Common Uses
Hickory Wattle common uses including:
- Furniture
- Cabinetry
- Interior trim
- Woodturning
- Decorative woodworking
- Craft items
- Small specialty projects
- Paneling
- Utility woodworking
Sustainability & Notes
Hickory Wattle is relatively widespread throughout parts of eastern Australia and is not generally considered threatened within its native range.
The species is often encountered in mixed native forest environments and may also be used in revegetation and land restoration projects due to its adaptability and nitrogen-fixing characteristics common to many acacia species.
Commercial lumber production is smaller in scale compared to major Australian hardwood species, making the wood more commonly encountered in regional woodworking and specialty applications.
Comparative Notes & Related Species
Australian Blackwood – A highly regarded Australian acacia species valued for rich coloration, figure, and premium furniture applications.
Hawaiian Koa – Another Pacific acacia species known for decorative figure and importance in musical instruments and fine woodworking.
Queensland Maple – An Australian hardwood appreciated for workability, furniture production, and interior applications.
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Collector Notes
Hickory Wattle samples are appreciated for their warm coloration and representation of Australia’s diverse acacia species. Well-finished pieces may display subtle figure and smooth reflective surfaces that become more pronounced under oil finishes.
The species is especially interesting within acacia collections because it provides a useful comparison against Australian Blackwood and Hawaiian Koa.
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Wood Sample Collection
This species is part of an ongoing effort to document and preserve wood samples from around the world.
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Resources
Authoritative botanical and forestry references used in compiling information about this species include:
• USDA Forest Service – Wood Handbook: Wood as an Engineering Material
https://www.fpl.fs.usda.gov/products/publications/
• The Wood Database – Global reference for wood identification, physical properties, and woodworking characteristics
https://www.wood-database.com/
• Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew – Plants of the World Online – Botanical taxonomy and species distribution database
https://powo.science.kew.org/
• International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN Red List) – Global conservation status assessments
https://www.iucnredlist.org/
• Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) – International trade regulations for protected plant species
https://cites.org/
Additional forestry publications, academic research papers, and regional timber studies may also be referenced where available.
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Availability & Where to Buy
Exotic hardwood availability can vary significantly depending on region, sustainability regulations, and supplier inventory.
As this archive grows, recommended suppliers and specialty wood retailers will be listed here to help woodworkers locate responsibly sourced material.
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