About
This small, deciduous tree to 10m with green leaves which have several pairs of round leaflets. They are green through the summer turning yellow in autumn. The flowers are pink-purple and perfumed, hanging from the branches in early summer.
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
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
Height4-8 metres
Spread4-8 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesArchitectural, City and courtyard gardens
FragranceFlower
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
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