Robinia hispida: Rose Acacia

Rose Acacia – Showy Flowering Native Shrub

Robinia hispida grows to 8 feet tall and wide with dark green compound leaves on bristly stems. Pendant clusters of fragrant pea-like rose-pink flowers attract bees and butterflies in late spring/early summer. Occasionally followed by bristly reddish-brown seed pods. Native to southeastern U.S., aggressive spreader by suckers, invasive in several states. All parts mildly poisonous.

Culture

Full sun, fertile moist well-drained soil, Zones 6–11. Tolerates poor dry soils. Protect from wind. Prune wayward/crossing stems late summer/early fall. Propagate by seed fall or root hardwood cuttings spring. Pests: borers, scale, leafminers, cankers, powdery mildew, Verticillium wilt.

Features

• Fragrant rose-pink flowers
• Attracts bees and butterflies
• Native, aggressive/invasive
• Showy flowers, foliage, seed heads

Uses

Native plantings, spring interest, sun.