Robinia pseudoacacia
false acacia
A fast-growing, spreading tree to 25m tall with deeply furrowed rough bark and spines formed from stipules on twigs and suckers. The dark green leaves comprise 5-11 pairs of oval leaflets. Dense, drooping clusters of slightly scented white flowers, each 15-20mm long and with a yellow blotch at the base of the standard petal, are borne in late spring and summer and are followed in autumn by hairless, linear to oblong pods containing 4-10 seeds
Other common names
bastard acaciablack locust
see morecommon robinia
fragrant white locust
locust
yellow locust
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Size
Ultimate height
Higher than 12 metresTime to ultimate height
20–50 yearsUltimate spread
Wider than 8 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | White | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | White | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | Brown | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
North–facing or West–facing or South–facing or East–facing
Exposure
ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Fabaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Potentially harmful
- Harmful 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
- 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
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Europe, N America
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow 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
Propagation
Propagate by seed or from root cuttings or from suckers
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Wildlife gardens
- Architectural
- Low Maintenance
Pruning
Pruning 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
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
May be susceptible to honey fungus
Get involved
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