Acacia coriacea, Desert Oak, is another native Australian evergreen with a relatively small compact form that can grow either as a small tree or a large dense shrub. The literature reports mature heights in native Australian stands ranging from 6 to 8 feet all the way up to reports of trees nearly 30 feet tall. This wide range in heights may be due to genetic diversity of seed sources or regional growing conditions. Native primarily to northern Australian it is found in the northern reaches of New South Wales and in New Holland on the eastern coast. It grows in open woodlands on sandy soils and stony ridges. The specie name coriacea come from a botanical term coriaceous meaning leathery, thick or tough and generally refers to the trees leaves. Leaves are narrow and elongate, up to 6 inches long, ash-colored to light green, covered with very fine close hair. The trunk color is similar to the leaves with dispersed somewhat weepy branches. It flowers primarily in spring and autumn, but also at other times of year following rains, producing cream colored, ball-shaped flowers. Curved or twisted, brown to reddish brown pods 6 - 9 inches long, split to release smooth brown seeds when mature.

Both trees should find wide use in deserts landscape wherever lush, evergreen, thornless trees are needed. They can be used to compliment deciduous trees and shrubs in winter months, as patio trees, in courtyards, or to provide shelter and shade for under-story plantings.