Rose acacia, Bristly locust (Robinia hispida) roe-BIN-ee-ah HISS-pih-dah Genus:  Robinia This showy flowering shrub grows to 8 feet tall and wide and features dark green, compound pinnate leaves on bristly stems and pendant clusters of fragrant, pea-like, rose-pink flowers that are attractive to bees and butterflies in late spring and early summer. The flowers are occasionally followed by bristly, reddish-brown seed pods. Native to the southeastern United States, this aggressive shrub spreads by suckers and is considered invasive in Michigan, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Washington. All parts of this plant are at least mildly poisonous. Care:  Provide full sun and fertile, moist, well-drained soil in USDA Hardiness Zones 6 to 11. Will tolerate poor, dry soils. Protect from damaging winds. Prune wayward and crossing stems in late summer or early fall. Propagation: 

 Sow seed in fall or root hardwood cuttings in spring.

Problems: 

 Borers, scale insects, leafminers, cankers, powdery mildew, and Verticillium wilt can be problems.

Overview

Height 6 ft. to 10 ft. Spread 6 ft. to 10 ft. Growth Habit Runs, Spreads Growth Pace Invasive/Aggressive Grower, Moderate Grower Light Full Sun Only Moisture Adaptable Maintenance Moderate Characteristics Attracts Butterflies, Fragrant Flowers, Native, Showy Flowers, Showy Foliage, Showy Seed Heads Bloom Time Early Summer, Late Spring, Spring, Summer Flower Color Pink Uses Poisonous, Spring Interest, Sun Type Natives