Gold-dust Wattle is an open, spreading shrub to 2m in height; capable of suckering and has been observed at just one location in Woodland within the coastal reserve at Bells Beach. It is also represented at Spring Creek and Deep Creek in Torquay.
The species name acinacea means short sword.
Leaves are technically phyllodes (modified leaf stalk). These can vary in shape and size 4-15mm long and 2-8mm wide; typically asymmetric with the midrib not readily apparent or absent; apex terminating in a minute tip (mucro).
Flowering occurs from late winter and spring covering the plant with bright yellow, cylindrical flower-heads that appear singly or in pairs in leaf axils.
Seed pods follow in early summer but viable seed can be difficult to find.