Botanical Name: Robinia pseudoacacia 'Purple Robe'
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Common Name: Purple Robe Locust  
Plant photo of: Robinia pseudoacacia 'Purple Robe'
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Water Saving Tip:

Change spray sprinklers to low-flow bubbler or drip systems. Shrubs and trees are ideal candidates for this type of irrigation because the water is applied directly to the root zones.

  • Anatomy

  • Culture

  • Design

Plant Type

Tree

 

Height Range

25-40'

 

Flower Color

Pink, Purple

 

Flower Season

Spring, Summer

 

Leaf Color

Blue Green

 

Bark Color

Brown, Grey

 

Fruit Color

Brown

 

Fruit Season

Summer, Fall

Sun

Full, Half

 

Water

Low

 

Growth Rate

Fast

 

Soil Type

Sandy, Clay, Loam, Rocky, Unparticular

 

Soil Condition

Average, Rich, Poor, Well-drained, Dry

 

Soil pH

Neutral

 

Adverse Factors

Invasive, Poisonous, Thorns/Spines

Design Styles

Mediterranean, Ranch, Spanish

 

Accenting Features

Showy Flowers, Specimen

 

Seasonal Interest

Spring, Summer

 

Location Uses

Background, Shrub Border

 

Special Uses

Shade Tree

 

Attracts Wildlife

n/a

Information by: Stephanie Duer
Photographer: Susan Frommer

  • Description

  • Notes

Purple Robe Locust is a medium-sized upright tree, growing 40 feet in height with a compact, rounded form. The trunk is long and straight with an interesting branching pattern. Leaves are dull, dark blue-green and pinnately compounded. Fall color is yellow. Flowers are dark rose-pink, in dense clusters, May to June. Lonf, slender pods follow flowers and persist into autumn. Bark is warm gray and furrowed; branches have spines.
Hardy to zone 3, this locust prefers full sun, is tolerant of most soils and fixes nitrogen. It is not a tree for stressful planting situations in dry climates. Provide adequate water during establishment and moderate watering thereafter. Borers can be problematic following stress. Should be pruned in late summer to avoid "bleeding."