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Robinia hispida (Rose acacia, Bristly locust)

Robinia hispida Photo/Illustration: David Cavagnaro


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Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Botanical Name:Robinia hispida roe-BIN-ee-ah HISS-pih-dah Common Name: Rose acacia, Bristly locust Genus: Robinia
This showy flowering shrub grows to 8 feet tall and wide and features dark green, compound pinnate leaves on bristly stems and pendant clusters of fragrant, pea-like, rose-pink flowers that are attractive to bees and butterflies in late spring and early summer. The flowers are occasionally followed by bristly, reddish-brown seed pods. Native to the southeastern United States, this aggressive shrub spreads by suckers and is considered invasive in Michigan, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Washington. All parts of this plant are at least mildly poisonous.
 Care: Provide full sun and fertile, moist, well-drained soil in USDA Hardiness Zones 6 to 11. Will tolerate poor, dry soils. Protect from damaging winds. Prune wayward and crossing stems in late summer or early fall.
 Propagation:

 Sow seed in fall or root hardwood cuttings in spring.


 Problems:

 Borers, scale insects, leafminers, cankers, powdery mildew, and Verticillium wilt can be problems.
Height 6 ft. to 10 ft.
Spread 6 ft. to 10 ft.
Growth Habit Runs;Spreads
Growth Pace Invasive/Aggressive Grower;Moderate Grower
Light Full Sun Only
Moisture Adaptable;Dry to Medium;Medium Moisture
Maintenance Moderate
Characteristics Attracts Butterflies; Fragrant Flowers; Native; Showy Flowers; Showy Foliage; Showy Seed Heads
Bloom Time Early Summer; Late Spring; Spring; Summer
Flower Color Pink Flower
Uses , Sun, Poisonous, Spring Interest
Type ,Shrubs,Natives

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