Robinia pseudoacacia — False Acacia

A common early-17th century introduction from America.

The alternate pinnate leaves are typical of the Leguminosae, oval and untoothed, and with a characteristic bristle at the tip of each leaflet. The buds are tiny and flanked by spines. White flowers appear in early summer and give rise to brown seed pods which persist through the winter.

‘Frisia’ is a very common and very bright cultivar with bright yellow foliage which turns orange in autumn.

‘Umbraculifera’ is an uninteresting dome-shaped tree, appropriately known as ‘Mop-head Robinia’.

‘Rozynskiana’ is a rare form with drooping leaves and stretched-looking leaves.

For similar trees see: Alternate pinnate leaves

 
 

---

Click on an orange link to display the associated image; click on the image to see the larger parent image in a separate window

Copyright © 2007 Philip Brassett