How tall do purple robe locusts grow?
Like other locusts, it naturalizes well and will put up suckers from anywhere its underground root system reaches. These will grow into trees if not removed, so you will need to control them if you do not want more. "Purple Robe" generally tops out at about 40 to 50 feet in height.
Is a purple locust tree drought tolerant?
The tree is, in fact, very drought tolerant when established, according to the Missouri Botanical Garden. Full sun is ideal for purple locust trees, though they can handle some light shade.
When should I prune my Purple Robe locust tree?
Young trees should be pruned in the fall or winter to strengthen the structure of the tree and to develop its desired shape. Buy Purple Robe Locust trees to enjoy their stunning beauty in your landscape each spring. 110% Survival Guarantee!
How tall do black locust trees grow?
The black locust tree is also called “False Acacia,” “Fragrant White Locust,” and “Common Robinia.” It is native to states such as Pennsylvania, Alabama, Georgia, Missouri, and southern Ohio. Black locust trees grow to between 40 and 100 ft. (12 – 30 m) with exceptional varieties reaching heights of 171 ft. (52 m).
How big does a purple robe locust tree get?
about 40 feet tallMiddle-aged 'Purple Robe' Black Locust. This cultivar of Black Locust probably grows to about 40 feet tall with a spread of 20 to 35 feet (Fig. 1). The upright, rounded growth and short, irregular branches form a tighter canopy than the species and cast medium shade below the tree, allowing a lawn to grow.
How long does it take for locust trees to grow?
Growth Rate – Black Locust Trees can grow up to 4′ per year when young. Typically 2′ per year once several years old. Black Locust Tree Growing Zone – Hardy from USDA zones 3-8.
Are purple robe locust trees messy?
Purple-robe locust is considered an easy-to-grow tree, perhaps too much so at times, as the trees send out underground root suckers that can be a maintenance problem or disrupt nearby gardening areas.
How far apart should locust trees be planted?
Purchase plants from your local nursery and plant from spring to early fall in well-drained, deep, fertile soil. However, honeylocust are also tolerant of various soil types. Space trees 20 to 30 feet apart. Keep trees well watered.
Is a locust tree a good tree?
Locust trees are excellent for erosion control and tolerate urban pollution and road salt spray well, so they are good trees to plant on graded areas and near roads and driveways. Some locusts grow quite tall, so allow enough space between trees that they will not be crowded when they reach their mature height.
What is the lifespan of a locust tree?
about 120 yearsThe honey locust, Gleditsia triacanthos, can reach a height of 20–30 m (65–100 ft). They exhibit fast growth, but live a medium life span of about 120 years. The leaves are pinnately compound on older trees but bipinnately compound on vigorous young trees.
Is purple robe locust invasive?
Once well established, the Purple Robe Locust tree has good drought tolerance and is easy to grow. It can become invasive, and unwanted root suckers should be cut early. It is susceptible to the locust borer and other insect pests.
Do locust trees have deep roots?
Honey locusts have strong, deep taproots that extend as far as 20 feet down as opposed to most trees, which only extend 3 to 7 feet beneath the surface However, unlike the classic tap root system, honey locust trees also have profusely branching roots, as is characteristic of heart root systems.
How do you prune a purple robe locust tree?
Because they can become invasive, the suckers of the purple locust tree should be removed as soon as they appear. Prune purple locusts in the fall or winter when the tree is dormant, advises the University of Utah, as spring pruning will cause the tree's sap to bleed.
Are locust trees messy?
Are honey locust trees messy? While honey locust trees drop both small leaflets from their compound leaves and purple seed pods, these drop around the same time in fall. The resulting mess is rather easy to clean-up, though the small leaflets are a bit difficult to manually rake.
Are locust trees invasive?
Robinia pseudoacacia (black locust) is a deciduous tree (family Fabaceae) that grows to 100 feet tall. Historically planted as a landscape tree, black locust has escaped cultivation and become invasive in California and elsewhere.
Are there male and female locust trees?
The honey locust in polygamo-dioecious, which means that the species has unisexual flowers with male (staminate) and female (pistillate) flowers on different trees, but also some perfect flowers (both male and female parts) on each tree.
When do purple robe locust trees bloom?
The tree’s bark is furrowed and so dark a gray that it looks almost black. In the spring, usually in May through early June, the purple robe locust tree produces fragrant pinkish-purple flowers on hanging racemes that may be up to 8 inches in length.
How big does a purple robe tree get?
"Purple Robe" black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia "Purple Robe") can grow in some of the most difficult conditions and on a variety of sites. The tree reaches 30 to 50 feet tall at maturity, and its oval canopy spreads 20 to 35 feet wide. In spring, it blooms with fragrant and showy pinkish-purple flowers, attracting bees to the area. "Purple Robe" grows in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 4 through 8.
What diseases can a purple locust tree get?
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 to spray insecticide on locust trees?
The Utah State University Extension recommends applying an insecticide like carbamate or pyrethroid to the trunks of the trees in late July and early August, just before the locust borers lay their eggs.
What is the problem with purple robe?
"Purple Robe" has some serious and some less serious pest issues. Locust borer may infest the tree, killing it in some cases, and locust leaf miner can turn the foliage brown . Aphids, scale insects, whiteflies and caterpillars can also become problems on this tree, although these are usually less serious. Diseases that often plague the "Purple Robe" black locust include powdery mildew, canker, leaf spots and root rots.
Can purple locusts grow in soil?
Purple Locust Tree Culture. Purple locust trees are not picky when it comes to soil, which makes them appealing for sites where other trees cannot grow. 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.
Can purple locust trees be shaded?
Full sun is ideal for purple locust trees, though they can handle some light shade. Per the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Forest Service, because of their invasive nature, the purple robe locust tree is best used for reclamation purposes or along roadsides where they will be neglected.
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Description
The Purple Robe Locust, robinia pseudoacacia, is a stunning ornamental that is known for developing, in the spring, swathes of gorgeous pink-purple flowers that resemble wisteria. It is also a great shade tree. A cultivar of the native black locust, it is also known as the Purple Robe Black Locust.
Zone Compatibility
The USDA hardiness zones offer a guide to varieties that will grow well in certain climates. Each zone corresponds to the minimum winter temperatures experienced in a given area. Make sure that your hardiness zone lies within the zone compatibility range of this variety before ordering.
Size & Spacing
When your tree matures, it will be approximately 30 - 40' tall x 25 - 30' wide .
Tools & Supplies
Having the proper tools and supplies when growing your own can make the difference between a good harvest and a great harvest! Here's a list that our experts recommend for this variety.
Planting & Care
Learn all about how to grow flowering trees in The Growing Guide. An entire section of our website dedicated to your growing success.
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What color are the leaves of a purple robe locust?
The leaves of the "Purple Robe" locust emerge a cheerful bronze-red in the springtime, changing to a bronze-green throughout the summer and turning a plain yellow in fall. Leaflets are grouped in clusters of as many as 23, which form the leaf.
When do purple robes bloom?
Its colorful pink or violet flowers, which appear in late spring or early summer, usually around May or June, are an added bonus when growing it as a landscape specimen or as a street tree. Like other locusts, it naturalizes well and will put up suckers from anywhere its underground root system reaches. These will grow into trees if not removed, so you will need to control them if you do not want more.
What is a purple robe?
"Purple Robe" (Robinia × ambigua "Purple Robe" or Robinia pseudoacacia "Purple Robe") is especially appealing due to its bright pink-violet flowers.
How long does a purple robe live?
Because it grows rather quickly -- two to three feet per season -- it can reach this height in less than 20 years. With a longevity of 50 to 150 years, "Purple Robe" can therefore live at its full height capacity for decades or even a century.
Is purple robe a good tree?
Culture. "Purple Robe" is a good choice for areas where other trees will not grow, as it is a very tolerant tree. Not only will it grow in nearly barren soil, it is quite drought tolerant, and so often thrives in conditions that would kill other trees.
How long do black locust leaves grow?
The leaves on black locust trees are pinnately compound and grow to about 10” (25 cm) long. The small oval or ovoid leaflets on each leaf are about the size of your thumbprint. Compared to honey locust trees, black locust tree leaves are a darker green color.
How long does a locust tree live?
Locust trees can live for over a hundred years, and the wood is one of the hardest woods from any deciduous tree. Locust tree lumber is exceptionally durable and the timber is excellent for making furniture, fence posts, flooring, and small boats. Compared to honey locust timber, black locust wood is more common.
What is the botanical name for a honey locust tree?
Species of honey locust trees with the botanical term “ inermis ”—a Latin word meaning “harmless” or “defenseless”—in the name are thornless varieties of the species.
How to tell if a locust tree is black or honey?
The leaves on honey locust trees appear slightly earlier than on black locust trees. One way to tell honey locusts apart from black locust trees is that the leaves have no leaflet at the tip. Also, honey locust tree leaves tend to be a lighter shade of green than the “black” variety.
What is the difference between a black and honey locust tree?
The species of locust trees are divided into two genera: Robinia and Gleditsia. Black locust trees are in the Robinia genus, while honey locust trees are in the Gleditsia genus . The name “honey” comes from the fact that honey locust trees have pods with sweet taste.
What is a locust tree?
Locust trees are fast-growing flowering trees that belong to a family of flowering plants called Fabaceae. The most common types of locust trees are the black locust and honey locust tree. Locust trees are hardy trees that are known for their hard and durable wood, fragrant sweet spring flowers, and colorful fall foliage.
How big are locust thorns?
Leaves of black locust tree. Another identifying feature of locust trees is their sharp thorns that can measure 1.2” to 4” (3 – 10 cm) long. These prickly spikes can grow singularly or on thorned branches. They are extremely tough and can easily puncture the skin. Locust tree thorns.
How tall does a black locust robinia grow?
The black locust robinia tree can tolerate poor soil, drought, pollution, and even salt. Growing up to 70 feet tall and 30 feet wide in areas with lots of sun and moderate moisture levels. Black locust leaves are generally blue-green, small and oval, with short sharp thorns.
How tall does a shademaster honey locust tree grow?
The Shademaster honey locust tree has no thorns and grows faster than most locust trees. Reaching heights of 50 feet and upwards. One advantage of growing Shademasters is that they don’t produce fruits. Meaning they’re easier to maintain than other locust trees.
What is a locust tree?
The term “locust” can apply to several different species of trees with legume-like seed pods. Locust trees are from the Fabaceae (legumes or pea family) family native to North America. Different locust trees are classified as part of the Gleditsia or Robinia genera. Meaning locusts can be trees or shrubs. The most popular types of locust trees in ...
What are the problems with locust trees?
Problems with Locust Trees. In some areas, cankers and root collar rot are serious problems for honey locust trees. Cankers first appear as flattened or discolored surfaces on the branches and trunk of the tree. Over time, cankers can spread and completely girdle the tree, causing tree death.
Why are black locusts planted?
“These flowers are attractive to bees and provide a good source of nectar. Therefore, black locust trees are planted in regions where honeybees are operating to help them with their honey production.”.
What are the most common types of locust trees?
The most popular types of locust trees in North America are called black locust and honey locust. In this article you’ll find all you need to know about their uses, popular varieties and related planting processes.
What type of locust is yellow?
The Imperial Honey Locust. This type of honey locust, also known as Impcole, grows to about 35 feet high. It has yellow-green flowers and feathery leaves that almost look like ferns. The leaves are green during spring and summer, yellow in the fall and shed in winter.
Where are black locusts native to?
They are also susceptible to locust borers. Black locust is native to the eastern and the southern parts of the United States. In Illinois, it is native only to the far southern edge of the state.
What is the texture of a dark gray leaf?
The dark gray bark is deeply ridged and furrowed with a rough, scaly or ropy texture. Leaf or needle arrangement, size, shape, and texture: Leaves are alternate and pinnately compound. The entire leaf can be up to a foot long. Each leaflet has a tiny point at the end.
Do black locusts spread?
Care Knowledge. Black locusts have invasive traits that enable them to spread aggressively. 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. Review of the risks should be undertaken before selecting these trees ...
Do black locust trees have spines?
This fast-growing native tree can form colonies and has brittle wood. Sharp spines may be present, especially on sucker growth.
