About
A slow-growing deciduous tree with twisted stems and curly leaves, reaching about 3m. The leaves are green with many pairs of rounded leaflets, turning yellow in autumn.
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
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained, Moist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeTrees
HabitSpreading branched, Columnar upright, Suckering
FoliageDeciduous
Height2.5-4 metres
Spread2.5-4 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Patio and container plants, Wildlife gardens
ToxicityHarmful if eaten, skin irritant. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling Pets: Harmful if eaten, skin irritant - for further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
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 or Pruning group 7; pruning should be done in late summer or early autumn to prevent bleeding; sucker removal if necessary, in autumn
PropagationPropagate by hardwood cuttings or grafting
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus