This coastal species is an ideal primary colonizing plant due to its rapid growth and showy flowers. Prefers full sun but will grow in competition with other low-growing species. Its main drawback is its very prickly growth habit which makes weeding around it difficult.
A prostrate, prickly plant spreading quickly up to a metre. Seeds produced in linear-shaped pods late November/early December.
Grows across a range of soils including heavy clay. Associated with native grassland or coastal heath and usually in close proximity to the coast.
Within the Surf Coast it is found as far north as the Jan Juc cliff top and areas further south west along the coast.
Pollination by unknown native invertebrate.

Indigenous uses as provided by the Wathaurung Aboriginal Corporation: The seed of this plant is edible. As with A. longifolia the seed can be ground and used to make flour. Good habitat for small native animals as the thorns keep out predators. Both Acacia verticillata and A. longifolia are good plants to use in stabilising archaeological sites.