Locust, Purple Robe Robinia pseudoacacia 'Purple Robe' Height: 50 feet Spread: 32 feet
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Hardiness Zone: 4a Other Names: Common Locust Description: A round-headed shade tree with highly fragrant and very attractive chains of deep pink flowers in spring; extremely adaptable, performs well in poor soils; more compact than other species, ideal as an accent tree for home landscapes Ornamental Features Locust, Purple Robe has chains of fragrant rose pea-like flowers with yellow eyes hanging below the branches in late spring. It has bluish-green deciduous foliage which emerges burgundy in spring. The oval pinnately compound leaves turn yellow in fall. However, the fruit can be messy in the landscape and may require occasional clean-up. Landscape Attributes Locust, Purple Robe is a deciduous tree with a more or less rounded form. Its relatively fine texture sets it apart from other landscape plants with less refined foliage. This tree will require occasional maintenance and upkeep, and is best pruned in late winter once the threat of extreme cold has passed. Deer don't particularly care for this plant and will usually leave it alone in favor of tastier treats. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration; Locust, Purple Robe is recommended for the following landscape applications; Planting & Growing Locust, Purple Robe will grow to be about 50 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 32 feet. It has a high canopy of foliage that sits well above the ground, and should not be planted underneath power lines. As it matures, the lower branches of this tree can be strategically removed to create a high enough canopy to support unobstructed human traffic underneath. It grows at a fast rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for 60 years or more. This tree does best in full sun to partial shade. It does best in average conditions that are neither too wet nor too dry, and is very intolerant of standing water. This plant should be periodically fertilized throughout the active growing season with a specially-formulated acidic fertilizer. It is not particular as to soil type or pH, and is able to handle environmental salt. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. This is a selection of a native North American species, and parts of it are known to be toxic to humans and animals, so care should be exercised in planting it around children and pets.
