Photo of Robinia pseudoacacia flower, foliage by Mehrajmir13

Photo by Mehrajmir13

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Robinia pseudoacacia

Also Known As

  • Black Locust
  • False Acacia

Plant type

tree

size

  • H: 30'-50'
  • W: 20'-35'

planting zones

  • 4a-9b

More Options

Robinia pseudoacacia plant details

Robinia pseudoacacia is a broadleaf deciduous tree with green foliage. In spring white flowers emerge followed by brown fruit. Attracts bees and butterflies making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun - mostly sun and regular - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Prefers to be dry in summer. Adapts to various soil conditions. Does well in average, clay and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant, humidity tolerant and pollution tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Robinia pseudoacacia

Plant type: tree
Plant family: fabaceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 20 FT - 35 FT - wide, 30 FT - 50 FT - tall
Flowers: white blooms in spring
Uses: cutting garden, easy-to-grow, fragrant, potentially invasive, shade tree, spiky, xeric

GROWING CONDITIONS for Robinia pseudoacacia

USDA Zones: 4a - 9b
Sun exposure: sun - mostly sun
Watering frequency: regular - low
Resistant to: deer, heat, humidity and pollution
Soil needs: average, clay and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Tolerates wide range of soil conditions- not a picky plant Canopy Layer Silvopastures with Black Locust can provide posts and firewood while improving the forage for your animals. An acre of Black Locust is said to produce 800 to 1200 pounds of honey. Moreover, the Black Locust blooms late enough in spring that the blossoms are rarely damaged by frost; thus, it is a reliable annual source for bees. Black Locust has a spot in your permaculture, resilient, and sustainable homestead. The edibility is not the major attribute of this tree. While the flowers are sweet and tasty, especially when dipped and fried like fritter, the big value is in the wood. Both fast growing and strong. Black Locust wood is rot resistant and a great choice for fence posts. Firewood from this tree burns slowly and has a heat value higher than beech or maple. The tree can be coppiced to encourage branching which can then be harvested on a rotational basis. Renewable energy!
Exceptionally tough and useful for the most adverse soil or climatic conditions. For the landscape, a number of interesting cultivars have been selected including forms with golden or purple foliage, pyramidal or globe shape, and contorted branches.
Fast-growing large tree; though somewhat weedy, its drought tolerance & long clusters of fragrant flowers make it worthwhile. Sun/Med-Dry

Gardening facts about Robinia pseudoacacia plant

How to Grow Robinia pseudoacacia

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun - mostly sun
  • Water Needs

    • regular - drought tolerant
  • Water Needs

    • dry in summer
  • Soil Needs

    • clay
    • adaptable
    • average
    • well-drained
  • Special Situation

    • heat tolerant
    • humidity tolerant
    • pollution tolerant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Flower Color

    • white
  • Wildlife

    • bees
    • butterflies
    • deer resistant
  • Fruit

    • brown
  • Flower Season

    • spring
  • Foliage Season

    • deciduous
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