Robinia pseudoacacia
false acacia
R. pseudoacacia is 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 the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Potentially harmful
- All parts may cause severe discomfort if ingested. Wear gloves and wash hands after handling
- 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 moderately fertile soil; will tolerate poor dry soils. Larger trees develop brittle branches which may be damaged or dropped in strong winds. Suckering may be a problem
Propagation
Propagate by seed or from root cuttings or from suckers
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Low Maintenance
Pruning
Pruning 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
Pests
Generally trouble free
Diseases
Generally disease free but in more recent years there have been Frisia dieback problems
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