Black locust trees typically start flowering in April or May.
black locust
Robinia pseudoacacia 'Tortuosa'
Black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia 'Tortuosa') is a deciduous, ornamental tree known for its twisted, branched trunk and a canopy of bright green foliage that casts a thick shade. It can grow up to a height of 30 feet and spread as wide as 25 feet, offering a perfect shade spot on hot days. Its wood is very resilient and durable, often used to craft benches, trellis, and other outdoor structures. The fragrant blooms make it an attractive nectar source for many pollinators. It is a fast-growing species that is widely adaptable to different temperatures, soils, and pH levels, although it prefers well-drained, loamy soils. Despite its shallow root system, it's a good choice for urban gardens, due to its impressive structure and lack of pesky pests.
Cycle:
Perennial
Watering:
Minimum
Propagation:
Cutting
Hardiness Zone:
3 - 8
Flowers:
White Flowers In Spring
Sun:
Full sun
Soil:
Rocky , gravelly , dry, Well-drained
Fruits:
Fruits In Autumn Ready In Fall
Edible:
Yes
Leaf:
Yes
Leaf Color:
green
Growth Rate:
Moderate
Maintenance:
Moderate
Poisonous To Humans:
Yes
Poisonous To Pets:
Yes
Drought Tolerant:
Yes
Salt Tolerant:
Yes
Thorny:
Yes
Invasive:
Yes
Care Level:
Moderate
watering
Black Locust (Robinia pseudoacacia 'Tortuosa') should be watered only when necessary, as it has a natural ability to tolerate drought. It should always be inspected to check for wilting or fraying of leaves before deciding to irrigate. Water thoroughly when the soil is dry to the touch. The best time to water is early in the morning, concentrating on the root zone and avoiding wetting foliage. An average of 1-2 inches per week is sufficient if no rainfall has occurred. In excess heat or lack of rain, water may be needed every few days.
sunlight
Black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia 'Tortuosa') grows best when it receives plenty of full sun, at least 6 to 8 hours per day. This sun should ideally be direct, as opposed to filtered or indirect light. The hours of sun required may be adjusted slightly for seasonal variations in intensity. Black locust can handle periods of drought fairly well, but it is important to water your plant regularly during dry spells.
pruning
The best time to prune a black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia 'Tortuosa') is early spring, before any new growth begins. This helps to ensure better air circulation and encourage the plant to grow thicker, more compact branches. Dead, diseased, and broken branches should always be removed as soon as they’re found. In terms of how much to prune, black locusts respond well to light pruning, so you don’t need to go overboard. Generally speaking, it’s best to remove no more than 1-third of the plant’s canopy at 1 time. This will help to maintain a strong structure and promote better growth.
Season
Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering
Harvest Fruit
The best time to start harvesting the fruits from Robinia pseudoacacia 'Tortuosa' is in June and July.
