North America Non-native Plant

Two-vein-hickory

Botanical name: Acacia binervata

USDA symbol: ACBI5

Native status: Not native but doesn't reproduce and persist in the wild

Two-Vein-Hickory: The Mystery Acacia That’s Hard to Pin Down If you’ve stumbled across the name two-vein-hickory or its scientific name Acacia binervata in your gardening research, you’re not alone in finding limited information about this elusive plant. This lesser-known member of the Acacia family seems to fly under the radar ...

Two-Vein-Hickory: The Mystery Acacia That’s Hard to Pin Down

If you’ve stumbled across the name two-vein-hickory or its scientific name Acacia binervata in your gardening research, you’re not alone in finding limited information about this elusive plant. This lesser-known member of the Acacia family seems to fly under the radar in most gardening circles, which raises some important questions for curious gardeners.

What We Know (And Don’t Know) About Two-Vein-Hickory

The botanical name Acacia binervata translates roughly to two-veined acacia, which likely refers to a distinctive leaf venation pattern. However, comprehensive information about this particular species is surprisingly scarce in readily available horticultural and botanical literature.

This lack of detailed information could indicate several possibilities:

  • It may be a regional species with limited distribution
  • It could be less commonly cultivated than other Acacia species
  • The name might be used locally but not widely recognized in botanical databases
  • It may be a historical name that’s no longer in common use

Geographic Distribution and Native Status

Unfortunately, the specific native range and geographic distribution of Acacia binervata isn’t well-documented in accessible sources. Without this crucial information, it’s difficult to determine where this plant naturally occurs or whether it would be considered native to your particular region.

Should You Plant Two-Vein-Hickory?

Here’s where things get tricky. Without clear information about this plant’s growth habits, invasive potential, or cultivation requirements, it’s challenging to give definitive planting advice. If you’re considering adding this plant to your garden, here are some important steps to take first:

  • Verify the plant’s identity with local botanical experts or extension services
  • Research its native status in your specific region
  • Check with local authorities about any invasive or noxious plant listings
  • Consult with native plant societies in your area

A Safer Alternative Approach

Given the uncertainty surrounding Acacia binervata, you might want to consider well-documented native Acacia species instead. Many regions have thoroughly studied native acacias that offer:

  • Proven wildlife benefits
  • Known growing requirements
  • Documented native status
  • Established cultivation practices

Contact your local native plant society or botanical garden to learn about native Acacia species that are confirmed to be appropriate for your area.

If You Do Find This Plant

Should you encounter Acacia binervata through a reputable source, approach with caution and responsibility. Ensure any plant material is ethically sourced and that you understand the plant’s requirements and potential impact on your local ecosystem.

The mystery surrounding two-vein-hickory serves as a good reminder that not every plant name you encounter will have readily available growing information. Sometimes the most responsible approach is to stick with well-documented native species that you can grow with confidence, knowing they’ll benefit both your garden and local wildlife.

Have you encountered this elusive Acacia in your gardening adventures? We’d love to hear about your experiences with lesser-known native plants and how you research them responsibly.

Two-vein-hickory

Classification

Group

Dicot

Kingdom

Plantae - Plants

Subkingdom

Tracheobionta - Vascular plants

Superdivision

Spermatophyta - Seed plants

Division

Magnoliophyta - Flowering plants

Subdivision
Class

Magnoliopsida - Dicotyledons

Subclass

Rosidae

Order

Fabales

Family

Fabaceae Lindl. - Pea family

Genus

Acacia Mill. - acacia

Species

Acacia binervata DC. - two-vein-hickory

Plant data source: USDA, NRCS 2025. The PLANTS Database. https://plants.usda.gov,. 2/25/2025. National Plant Data Team, Greensboro, NC USA