bristly locust
Robinia hispida
USDA zones5 to 8
SunNeeds full sun (6+ hours)
WaterHandles dry to moist soil
Size2 to 10 feet tall5 to 15 feet wide
- Growth rate
- Rapid
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer
- Bloom color
- Rosy pink to purplish-red
- Foliage color
- Blue, green
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay, chalk
- Soil pH
- Circumneutral (pH 6.8-7.2)
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Bristly locust (Robinia hispida) is a shrub for borders, hedges, and pollinator gardens. It is hardy to USDA zone 5, or down to -20°F (-29°C). This plant likes full sun and dry to moist soil of most types. It spreads into colonies from root sprouts, so give it room, and its stiff, bristly stems break easily in wind. Bees visit the rosy pink flowers, but the blooms last a short time. Deer usually look elsewhere for a meal.
Pairs well with Rock rose, Feather reed grass, and Mexican hat.
Native range
Central and eastern United States.