About
Robinia pseudoacacia, the false acacia or black locust, is a fast-growing, spreading tree to 25 m with deeply furrowed bark and spines on twigs and suckers. Dense, drooping clusters of slightly scented, white flowers 15�20 mm long with a yellow blotch are borne in late spring and summer, followed by linear seed pods. The dark-green leaves have 5�11 pairs of oval leaflets. A bold and architectural tree for a sunny, well-drained garden.
About the genus
Robinia are vigorous, suckering trees and shrubs, sometimes thorny, with pinnate leaves and racemes of pea-type flowers in early summer, sometimes followed by seed pods. Popular ornamental and specimen trees for sunny, well-drained gardens.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectNorth-facing, West-facing, South-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeTrees
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageDeciduous
HeightHigher than 12 metres
Spreadwider than 8 metres
Time to full height20-50 years
Suggested usesWildlife gardens, Architectural
Native toEurope, N America
FragranceFlower
ToxicityHarmful if eaten, skin irritant. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling 15915,robiquetia,Robiquetia,,Robiquetia are epiphytic orchids from tropical Asia and the Pacific producing pendent
Care notes
CultivationGrow in any soil in good light. Remove any suckers that grow, which may have long thorns. For more advice see tree cultivation. Has the potential to become a nuisance if not managed well
PruningPruning group 1 for maintaining a neat ball, or Pruning group 7 for pollarding; pruning should be done in late summer or early autumn to prevent bleeding. Suckers should be removed if necessary, in autumn
PropagationPropagate by seed or from root cuttings or from suckers
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus