Locust trees refer to rapidly growing flowering trees that belong to the pea family and a group of flowering plants known as Fabaceae. Incredible, long clusters of purple flowers in May that look just like Wisteria flowers hanging from this local bloomer. in American Studies from Columbia University and lives in Queens with her two cats. Avoid pruning in spring when it tends to bleed. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. It can also spread to around 20 to 35 feet. Seasonally, Nature Hills offers hand selected, high quality bare root trees, shrubs and perennials. However, the dappled sunlight means that plants that need partial shade grow well in its shadow. There could also be dark green leaves. Leaves are divided into 7 to 19 leaflets, 1 to 2 inches long and are arranged in pairs. They prefer full sun and can grow to 30-70 feet tall with a 30-70 foot spread. You can use the seed pods of locust trees as fodder for your livestock. There is a high chance for its trunk to become really large. Yes, there is a problem with its thorns being poisonous but not all varieties of this tree are toxic. Both are known for being endemic in the entire region of North America. 'Purple Robe' Black Locust1 Edward F. Gilman and Dennis G. Watson2 INTRODUCTION This cultivar of Black Locust probably grows to about 40 feet tall with a spread of 20 to 35 feet (Fig. Purple robe locust tree. Purple Robe Locust trees develop incredible, long clusters of purple colored flowers in mid- to late spring that look very much like Wisteria flowers. Here is a helpful resource to understand your The blooms of the locusts that refer to their flowers are edible. These are sweet-tasting peas that animals enjoy eating. Being a member of the Robinia genus, there is a small oval leaflet at the tip of each leaf. Its leaves are typically bronze-green, turning bronze-red in the spring . Find Your Growing Zone:Show Approximate Ship Dates & Restrictions. Shop our Robinia Purple Locust trees for sale at Willis Orchards today. Due to orangey-red colors in the deep grooves, the bark may have an overall reddish appearance. The excellent shade from this locust tree comes from the exceptionally wide canopy coverage. It does not bear fruits, which is why it does not come with seed pods. This fast-growing native tree can form colonies and has brittle wood. The most common types of locust trees are the black locust and honey locust tree. Clusters of heavily scented pink-purple flowers dangle from the locust tree, filling your garden with spring colors. A common type of tree well-loved by gardeners in different parts of the world, the honey locust trees continue to impress because of their elegant nature. The black locust tree flowers are rich in nectar, making this a beautiful honey plant. These trees grow fast, up to 25' high by 20' wide. Timing is important! Known for being an easy tree to care for, the Purple Robe Locust is a hardwood variety that makes a great street tree. Since it is a black locust variety, you will notice its thorny shoots that are in the shade of deep red. In general, honey locust trees are non-messy. Honey Locust Tree (Gleditsia Triacanthos). Black locust is a fast growing tree that can reach up to 75 feet in height. You can use these pulps in making traditional cuisines and recipes and in preparing medicines. The amount of light for your tree is really no different than what mine gets in the mountains. It can go at around 30 to 50 tall and 30 to 40 spread. We ALWAYS sell out of this incredible native tree and this year will be no exception. Choose the thornless cultivars if you love this locust tree because of its flowers, not the spikes and thorns. Colorado gardeners often plant the honey locust in woodland areas and shelterbelts. It was magnificent. Drought tolerant. Another impressive fact about the honey locust tree is that it has a thick canopy that aids in blocking sunlight. It is endemic to a few small areas of the United States, but it has been widely planted and naturalized elsewhere in temperate North America, Europe, Southern Africa and Asia and is considered an invasive . As with any plant, proper site selection is key to success and to YOUR happiness. Whichever variety of locust tree is in your yard, you will remove the base shoots in the same way. This variety grows best in USDA hardiness zones 7-9, and in colder climates. They eventually mature to a dark green and turn yellow in the fall. We're here to keep you informed in all things related to plants. Robinia is a genus of between maybe 6 to 30 species (many are unresolved) of trees and shrubs from North America. I have not seen the suckering from this tree that Locusts in other areas can have. The attractive features of the 'Purple Robe' locust tree are its young red leaves that turn to blue-green and then turn yellow in fall. Note, though, that it also depends on how you define messy. Other names for the bristly locust tree include rose-acacia and moss locust. Dec 8, 2015. This variety has the term inermis which means that the Sunburst honey locust is a thornless tree. Yes, the wood is brittle but as long as the tree gets some cold and While these trees have demonstrated invasive traits, there is insufficient supporting research to declare them so pervasive that they cannot be recommended for any planting sites. It is noted for its attractive compound leaves and pendant racemes of violet purple pea-like flowers. You can choose to use it for small wooded or shady areas or as a focal point on your large lawn. Very susceptible to locust borer. You can still order now and we will ship the plant to you during an appropriate time for your zone. Also, honey locust tree leaves tend to be a lighter shade of green than the black variety. Bright green foliage turns a beautiful yellow color in the fall. These showy flowers have an intense fragrance meaning the bristly locust tree attracts honey bees and other pollinators. Full Sun or Shade for a Crimson Queen Maple, Missouri Botanical Garden: Robinia "Purple Robe", The University of Utah: Facilities - Purple Robe Locust, Utah State University Extension: Integrated Pest Management - Locust Borer, How to grow your own herb garden in any indoor or outdoor space. This deciduous tree is native to North America and can be found in parts of Canada and the United States. This tree is an excellent barrier plant to protect your property beautifully. This article explains more about the amazing locust trees and how to deal with their thorns. Sunburst locust leaves are pinnate and have a fine texture. The purple robe was to symbolize royalty, and they mocked him as King of the Jews. Purple Robe Black Locusts make great street trees, too, handling the tough conditions by your road with ease. Although native to North America, locust trees grow in many countries throughout the world. This tree is capable of blooming dense groups or clusters of flowers capable of attracting bees. Fall clean up is easy with the small leaves. Purple Robe Locust is a strikingly beautiful ornamental tree that has a growth of rounded bronze leaves that turn into a lush green, followed by drooping purplish pink flowers. You can use this timber to manufacture fences and perform other services when it comes to carpentry. You are here: Home Locust Trees Purple Robe Locust. An excellent barrier plant to protect your property beautifully. Honey bees love it, as do many native pollen bees. Research has shown increases in nitrogen in barley grain crops interplanted with locust, and black walnuts interplanted with locust as "nurse" trees were shown to rapidly increase their growth. Hardy to zone 3, this locust prefers full sun, is tolerant of most soils and fixes nitrogen. If you encounter issues loading this site, please refresh the page by using Ctrl + F5 if on Windows or Cmd + Shift + R if on Mac. Leaves are between 4 and 6 (10 15 cm) long and are fern-like similar to all trees in the Robinia and Gleditsia genera. It will then turn into bright yellow once the fall comes. .yum! The new foliage emerges tinged with purple and matures to a bronze-green color. Mow the grass right up to the trunk to keep the plant as a single stem. . You can also distinguish them with the help of their pinnately and feathery compound leaves. Locust trees grow to between 66 and 98 ft. (20 30 m). Purple Robe Locust Mirazroa/Shutterstock This purple flowering tree is mainly found in North America, but don't let the pretty flowers fool you. They are growing beautifully without any care in poor soils, with open exposure, and where little additional water would ever get to them? As for its foliage, you can expect to see it in rich green during the spring and turning into yellow green then golden yellow in the summer and fall, respectively. If you are looking for trees with purple flowers, some good choices are Texas Mountain Laurel, Purple Robe Locust, Chaste Tree, Crepe Myrtles, Royal Empress Tree, or the Eastern Redbud. Compared to the black locust, the honey locust trees flowers arent as showy and stunning. They will grow just about anywhere and makes an excellent small yard tree, needing little fertilizer or much of anything else. The presence of these thorns makes it kind of impossible to climb the tree but they also make this locust tree variety quirky yet attractive. It derived its name from the fact that it indeed has no thorns at the twigs and barks, making it distinguishable from other honey locust trees. If you wish to grow any locust varieties, then you will be glad to know that it is easy to grow one as they can adapt to various street and lawn conditions. Your support is vital to the Arboretum, where the power of trees makes a positive impact on peoples lives. Skyline Honey Locust Trees Botanical Name- (Gleditsia triacanthos 'Skycole') If you are looking for some shade tree, then this is again a popular option you can go for. 3. It can handle many soil types and needs little water. Popular sizes of select trees are 1 foot, 2 feet, 3 feet, etc. 5. The large drooping flowers can measure between 4 and 8 (10 20 cm) and form attractive clusters. Other insect problems include caterpillars, weevils, scale and whiteflies. The locust tree is the quintessential shade tree known for its attractive form, great-looking fall foliage, and highly impressive leaves. You can often find the Gleditsia triacanthos form inermis or this thornless locust tree in suburban landscapes and cities. - And they clothe him with purple, and plaiting a crown of thorns, they put it on him; and they began to salute him, Hail, King of the Jews! Where the honey locust can get huge thorns, several inches long, and sometimes those thorns get thorns! The Arboretum offers something for everyone in an unforgettable, tree-filled setting. Locust Tree Fruit Characteristics. Deer and rabbits are less likely to eat the young branches and trees if they have to contend with sharp thorns. You won't want to miss any of the show. Popular sizes of select bare root plants is 1 foot, 18 inches, etc. Beautiful lavender-colored flower clusters adorned a pretty rounded tree with yellow-green leaves. Mow the grass right up to the trunk to keep the plant as a single stem. Timing is important! . It thrives at a neutral level, too. Note, though, that aside from the locust wood, it can also supply other benefits among which are the following: These are among those locusts capable of supplying people with food. Your Cart. Matthew says (Matthew 27:28), "They put on him a scarlet robe . Locust trees are hardy trees that are known for their hard and durable wood, fragrant sweet spring flowers, and colorful fall foliage. Locust trees are fast-growing flowering trees that belong to a family of flowering plants called Fabaceae. Tolerates a wide range of soils including sandy or nearly barren ones. Thornless locust trees have beautiful foliage, bright flowers, and attract honey bees. These showy flowers grow on reddish-purple branches that have spikes at their base. Step 1 Inspect thriving locust trees for suckers weekly. And they placed upon his head, piercing thorns of blood stained red. Most types of locust trees grow in the eastern states of North America. Most locust trees bloom every year provided freezing did not kill them. The bark is deeply furrowed and is brown and gray. Black locust thorns are not bad, 1/2" at most, and they are really only on the new growth, as the branch gets bigger they loose the thorns. Purple Robe is considered to be a very easy-to-grow tree. I spotted the object of my desire over the fence in a yard of one of the houses near the creekside walkway. Note, though, that you have to pick the honey locust tree for this as the pods of black locust are toxic. It thrives in many difficult growing conditions. An excellent small yard tree, needing little fertilizer or much of anything. The beauty of this mid-sized ornamental tree is that they can grow in just about any condition as long as the soil drains quickly after a rain. Purple Robe Locust is a tremendous shade tree that develops long clusters of purple-colored flowers in May that resemble Wisteria flowers. Other names for the New Mexico Locust tree include Desert Locust, Pink Locust, or Rose Locust tree. Expect the bristly locust trees to thrive well in moist and loamy soil with high salt levels. New growth is bronzy red. The two are deciduous trees that also work well in the landscape. Purple robe locust leaves have metallic red color when immature which gradually turns into deep-green or bluish-green color. Super hardy and drought tough with a brisk growth rate of 2 feet in one year. It also has masses of flowers that you can expect to bloom starting from the spring season to summer. It is susceptible to locust borer (often fatal) and locust leaf miner (browns foliage). The pinnately compound leaves are also usually around seven to eight inches long. Another way to identify the type of locust tree is by the shape and color of its seed pods. Growing from its 40 foot branches are small purple leaves that remind us of a Hawaiian Lei. Purple Robe Locust is a tremendous shade tree that develops long clusters of purple-colored flowers in May that resemble Wisteria flowers. . Because they can become invasive, the suckers of the purple locust tree should be removed as soon as they appear. The purple locust tree is a member of the legume family, which means that it can fix soil nitrogen, which allows it to survive in sandy soils. These beautifully fragrant clusters cover the tree profusely that grows up to eight inches long each! The fruits are flat brown legumes (pods) and are 4 inches long. We use FedEx, UPS, or USPS at our discretion. Looking at pictures of locust tree leaves, you will notice they are similar to fern leaves. It grows in an upright, irregular oval shape. Flowering Shrubs. The vast spread of the trees foliage, small leaves, and widely-spaced branches make this an excellent shade tree. Our plants are grown all over the country and lead time on items may be different because of this. If you are planning to grow honey locust trees, take note of the following: You also have to consider its size upon reaching maturity before growing it, so you can provide it with the right amount of space for growth. The locust also falls under hardy trees famous for their durable and hard wood, colorful fall foliage, and sweet-smelling flowers for spring. Dull medium green to dark bluish-green color. This tree has bristly stems, which is the reason behind its name. 'Purple Robe' - This compact, rounded cultivar, one of the most attractive forms, should not exceed 30 to 40 feet in height. Enter keywords to search on the arboretum map. 1). Each leaflet has a tiny point at the end. As the tears of sorrow fell upon his face. This tree is distinguishable because it does not have thorns plus it grows really fast. It is reportedly a hybrid cross between R. ambigua Decaisneana and R. hispida Monument. Greenish-white, inconspicuous flowers appear in May and June and turn into long twisted seedpods that are a purple color. One of the fastest-growing evergreen vines for mountain gardens. The black locusts can also fairly tolerate drought, though, you should still avoid exposing it to excessive flooding and water. Previous Post: Farewell to Roses. Entire leaf is 6 to 14 inches long. It looks elegant as it features arching leaves that radiate in clumps starting from a central point. The roots and seeds of the purple robe tree spread so aggressively that it is considered invasive. Their small leaves tend to blow away in the fall since they are lightweight, leaving few leaves needing to be raked. The all-encompassing fragrance of its flowers is the reason behind its popularity in various gardens and parks worldwide. The tree leaves have dark-green or light green color, depending on the species. The variety Purple Robe features beautiful, fragrant purple flowers. Extremely fragrant and only found locally at Watters. Generally, you can find two major locust trees: the black locust tree with the scientific name Robinia pseudoacacia and the honey locust tree with the scientific name Gleditsia triacanthos. Ingesting it may have fatal effects, though, it has been discovered that it is rare for people to get poisoned because of coming in direct contact with this tree. Classified as hardwoods, honey locust trees are definitely among the best providers of wood. Different to honey locust trees, the sharp spikes are short and dont grow in long branches around the tree. The new foliage emerges tinged with purple and matures to a bronze-green color. It has leaves that begin to look light green once the spring season comes then slowly become darker. Robinia 'Purple Robe' will perform best in moist, organically rich loam; however, it will do just fine in both acid and alkaline soils and can handle salt spray. She holds a B.A. It is commonly called the Sweet Bean, Sweet Locust and Honeyshuck. Plant Sentry is designed to protect both consumers and the nursery trade from invasive plant pests and diseases. The tree is, in fact, very drought tolerant when established, according to the Missouri Botanical Garden. Another identifying feature of locust trees is their sharp thorns that can measure 1.2 to 4 (3 10 cm) long. The leaves will show an impressively rich shade of bright yellow when the fall comes. If you have the seedless and thornless variety of honey locusts, it is not that messy as the debris it drops over a short period every year is easy to clean. M. Compound leaves emerge with purple tint. Black locust trees grow to between 40 and 100 ft. (12 30 m) with exceptional varieties reaching heights of 171 ft. (52 m). This tree can sucker to the point of forming colonies. Dark, rose-pink flower clusters. fruits are smooth, flat, purple-brown seed pods, up to 4-inch long, seen from July to November, and may persist through winter Insects, Diseases, or Other Plant Problems: It is susceptible to locust borer (often fatal) and locust leaf miner (brown foliage). This beautiful black locust tree is also incredibly attractive, with eye-catching aesthetics. Purple robe trees are great for planting in front yards . It can grow in just about any condition as long as the soil drains quickly after a rain. When planning to grow the sunburst honey locust tree, remember that it requires deep watering and pruning during the winter. If you want a thornless variety of skyline locust tree, look for the Gleditsia triacanthos f. inermis Skycole cultivar. Identifying species of locust trees can be done by features such as their flowers, color of bark, height of the tree, and the thorns. Its wide spread, lack of thorns, and pod-less characteristics mean it is not a messy tree. Some confusion exists over the nomenclature of this plant. As a guide in growing this famous locust tree, take note of the following: As for its size, expect this tree to grow around 30 to 50 feet high. Flowers are followed by smooth, flat, purple-brown seed pods (to 4 long). Establish it the first year with careful watering. There are many reasons why the Suncole cultivar is popular in landscape gardens. This is a very distinctive and unique variety that the sweet scent of its flowers will definitely invite pollinators and humans to your garden. Late spring and early summer bring out the beautiful fragrant purple-pink clusters of flowers on this locust tree. The wood is weak and brittle making it subject to storm damage. The feather-like leaves are pinnately compound that are bright green throughout spring and summer before turning to golden yellow in the fall. In its blooming stage, bright green with purple tinge foliage will emerge. Another reason to love the honey locust trees is that they are stand-alone or independent, making them incredible choices for all kinds of gardens. Its the perfect summer shade tree. Shipping and handling charges are calculated based on the tables below. The leaves are odd pinately compound with up to 23 lance . The New Mexico locust tree also boasts an average growth of 10 feet. These beautifully fragrant clusters cover the tree profusely and may be up to eight inches long each! 'Purple Robe' Locust (Robinia pseudoacacia 'Purple Robe') This fast-growing, mid-sized ornamental flowering tree can survive the most difficult situations in different areas. Purple Robe Locust (Robinia pseudoacacia 'Purple Robe') is a medium-sized upright tree, growing 40 feet in height with a compact, rounded form. You can differentiate between these two major types of locust trees by checking out the thorns at the branches and barks. Species of honey locust trees with the botanical term inermisa Latin word meaning harmless or defenselessin the name are thornless varieties of the species. Promptly remove suckers as they appear unless naturalization is desired. It is the main reason why you can see this tree being planted in those places that need solid and robust production of honey. Buy Purple Robe Black Locust online. Just like the black locust, the species of honey locust grows in many different environments and thrives in full sun. Trees of the Purple Robe Locust develop long clusters of violet flowers similar to those of Wisteria in the spring. You can plant this tree as an easy-care, fast-growing specimen in the lawn. There are several cultivars of thornless honey locust trees, such as Imperial (Impcole), Skyline (Skycole), Sunburst (suncole), Moraine, Northern Acclaim (Harve), Perfection (Wandell) and Street Keeper (Draves). We write how-to guides and tips for houseplants. Both of them are native to North America. An easy-care, fast-growing specimen in lawns. It grows quickly and produces fragrant flowers in the springtime. It falls under the deciduous trees or deciduous shrubs classification and has an average growth of 8 feet. Common names: false acacia, robinia. Similar to the black honey locust tree, the bark on the New Mexico cultivar is light gray-brown with shallow furrows. Every backyard should have at least one. It mixes well with the black locusts white racemes or inflorescences, resulting in the nicely set shape of the trees branches in reddish black. Due to winter weather we have put a hold on shipping to the areas shown below in grey. The Honey Locust tree's pods typically ripen in mid to late spring. You can also control black and honey locusts by cutting back these trees each growing season. Don't plant it too deep, as is key for any new tree. RM2AEPJFX - honey locust (Gleditsia triacanthos), thorny trunk // Tronc pineux de Gleditsia triacanthos, ou fvier d'Amrique, France, Seine-et-Marne (77), Fonta. root plants are sold by height from the top of the root system to the top of the plant. 'Sunburst' honey locust has yellow foliage. Even better about the skyline honey locust tree is that it does not require much care and maintenance. It has clusters of fragrant deep pinkish-purple blooms and can grow in less than ideal conditions. . Feed twice monthly with Watters Flower Power for a riotous bloom all season long. Help trees thrive in the Chicago region and around the world. The purple locust tree can become infected with locust borers, which are black beetles with yellow markings that create tunnels inside the trunks and branches of the tree, weakening it. When you sign up for our FREE newsletter! 2. If you are not careful, it may lead to serious injuries. My Purple Plum Tree Looks Black Like Fungus: What Is This. Purple Robe Locust trees are very hard wooded and will tolerate storms well. This thorny tree also works well to control erosion. As he stood alone forsaken on that day. 3. How-to guides, decorations, and inspiration. Purple locust trees are not picky when it comes to soil, which makes them appealing for sites where other trees cannot grow. The flower color helps to tell black locusts apart from honey locust trees that have creamy-green colored flowers. As with most types of honey locust trees, the skyline has a spiky trunk with thorned branches. Fixes nitrogen. Some also use the pulps of the seed pod to ferment beer. The pulp on the pods is the one edible and can be consumed by livestock and wildlife. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. The tree can grow up to 75 ft. (22 m) tall and provide shade up to 40 ft. (12 m) wide. As for its spread, it could be anywhere from 9 to 23 meters. You will also notice the leaf gaps in this variety that provide the plants in any lawn dappled light. Purple Robe Locust trees are very hard wooded and will tolerate storms well. Please note that some items include an additional handling surcharge, these will be noted on the item's product page. Start Growing Squash In Your Garden Planting and Caring Tips, Growing Swiss Chard Planting, Harvesting, Growing Guide, Growing Turnips Grow, Plant, and Harvest Guide, Growing and Planting Mustard Greens Guide, Growing Mushrooms at Home and Garden to Eat, Growing Broccoli What You Need to Successfully Grow Broccoli, Okra Companion Plants What Plants Goes Well with Okra, Arugula Companion Plants Guide to Growing Friends, Guide Planting, Harvesting, and Growing Scallions, The Spring's Trumpet: The Magic of Daffodil -- Magical Herbs, Plants Ideas That Thrive in Closed and Open Terrarium, Asparagus Companion Plants What You Can Grow and Can Not. They also have pods that tend to bend and curl a bit. Growth Requirements. Other insect problems include caterpillars, weevils, scales, and whiteflies. In several cases, you have to perform the treatment method again, regardless of what it is, to keep the tree under control. It has grown in to the neighbors yard, and he's allowed one to grow to a height of about 10 feet. Small hairs or bristles growing on the dark green leaves give them a grayish appearance. Fall color is yellow-green. potted containers and as dormant bare root without soil. For example, the black locust tree contains toxic compounds while the pods from the honey locust tree are edible. Twisty Baby black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia 'Lace Lady'): At 20 feet high by 20 feet wide, this tree is smaller in size and has contorted limbs. The New Mexico locust tree grows to between 16 and 32 ft. (5 10 m). The trunk is long and straight with an interesting branching pattern. The Purple Robe Locust likes full sun or dappled shade and will take most any soil, drought or lawn watering. Black locust trees have thorns while honey locust trees are mostly thornless. 5. It has no thorns and features a large canopy. The honey locust tree is a hardy, fast-growing tree, similar to the black locust tree. Robinia pseudoacacia'Purple Robe' Figure 1. Each cluster can be up to 8 inches long. 1815 W. Iron Springs Road Upright, spreading shrub with slender thorns, narrow silvery leaves, orange fruit on females persists into winter: Holodiscus dumosus Rock spirea: 4 x 4. Fragrant wisteria-like violet purple flowers in pendant racemes (to 8 long) bloom in mid to late spring. Each cluster may be up to eight inches long and covers the tree profusely. It features deep green ferny leaves during the spring that become golden yellow once the fall comes. You can also differentiate the two based on their benefits and uses and their identifying features and characteristics that you will learn in the next parts of this article. Plant your small bristly locust tree in full sun and well-draining soil. Black locust leaves are made up to 7-21 paired leaflets on both sides of a common stalk (pinnately compound). You will also notice their twisted pods in dark brown. The imperial honey locust tree is a thornless species of deciduous tree that grows up to 40 ft. (12 m). A cultivar of the native black locust, it is also known as the Purple Robe Black Locust. Black locust is a tough tree that will survive very poor conditions. One of the suckers is coming up at the cottage stone retaining wall where the roots have run into the unmoveable blockage and must now go down 2' where they'll be able to then go out about 1' and hit a nice wet streamlet. Make a great street tree, handling the tough conditions with ease. Loam, wet . The ability of this tree to adapt well to various conditions and suit different needs and gardens is also one reason why it is one of the top choices of those who intend to grow their own trees. To grow this locust tree variety, ensure to provide it with full sunlight and moist but well-drained soil. Almost any soil condition will do, including clay, sand or loam that is acidic to alkaline, with a preference for a pH ranging from about 6.8 to 7.7 and an organically rich loam. Note that various locust tree species also grow healthily in the wild, especially in North America. It even has an average growth of 50 feet. There are varieties of the tall honey locust with larger branches and trunks capable of bearing branched and stout thorns that can reach up to 20-inch in length.