Arkansas Tree Database

Scientific name:

Robinia Pseudoacacia

Size:

40'-60' tall, up to 80' tall

Leaves:

alternate, pinnately compound, 8"-14" long with 7-19 oval leaflets, with somewhat triangular spines at the base of the leaf, untoothed

Flowers:

creamy white with yellow blotch inside, pea-shaped, in drooping 4"-8" clusters, sweetly scented

Fruit:

flat pod, 3"-5" long and containing 4-10 seeds

Fall Interest:

yellow; deciduous

Culture:

sun; dry to moist soil; adaptable; can fix atmospheric nitrogen in the soil

Disease/Insect:

locust borer

Use:

aggressive spreader and good for land reclamation; important source of honey; wood exceptionally resistant to decay, used for posts, crossties

Cultivars:

Notes:

twigs and branches have sharp strong spines, borne in pairs at the nodes; root bark was chewed by Native Americans to induce vomiting or relieve toothache; a valuable source of spring nectar, flowers are visited by bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds; all parts of the tree are considered toxic; native to Arkansas