Plant Profile: Robinia hispida

The Bristly Locust, originally from the southeastern United States, has expanded its range across various regions of the country. Belonging to the pea family, this plant showcases striking clusters of pendulous pink flowers in the spring. Its compound leaves are not only visually appealing but also turn a vibrant yellow in the fall. While it can aggressively propagate through root suckers, it is occasionally found grafted onto the rootstock of the black locust, which is less invasive. The Bristly Locust typically reaches heights of 2 to 10 feet and can spread between 5 to 15 feet. Its stems and branches are adorned with purplish bristly hairs, and spines can be found at the base of the leaf stems.

This plant thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers soils rich in organic matter, though it can adapt to a variety of soil conditions, including less fertile ones. It is also drought-resistant and not favored by deer, making it a practical choice for hedges or for stabilizing banks.

**Site Requirements:** Sun; adaptable to various soil types, including dry and poor conditions.
**Growth Habit:** Spreading; capable of suckering.