Great Plant Picks: Golden locust

Published 12:01 am Thursday, September 1, 2011

WHAT: Golden locust, also known as golden false acacia or the Frisia variety of robinia pseudoacacia, bears brilliant lemon-yellow leaves that become a collective beacon in spring, summer and even fall landscapes.

WHY PLANT IT: It is a remarkably tough tree, growing vigorously in poor soil and in polluted urban conditions.

If planted in partial shade, this tree’s leaves will be a bright chartreuse.

Each of its leaves is up to 12 inches long and composed of up to 23 oval leaflets, which cast a bright, lovely shade.

In late spring and early summer, it produces hanging clusters of fragrant, pealike, white flowers.

Its has a rugged branching pattern and, when mature, deeply furrowed bark.

WHERE: It adapts readily to a range of soil types, including heavy clay, as long as there is good drainage.

With a little extra water, it sails through dry Northwest summers.

It grows fastest in full sun and fertile, rich soil with regular summer irrigation.

Once established, it is extremely drought tolerant.

Its form is roughly rectangular with dramatic, gray-black branches that are somewhat brittle.

HOW: Gardening beneath golden false acacia can cause root suckers. Remove them as close to the underground root as possible.

ACTUAL SIZE: Ten-year-old trees can reach 25 feet tall and 15 feet wide.

Mature trees reach 50 feet tall and 30 feet wide.

LEARN MORE: See www.greatplantpicks.org.

Source: Great Plant Picks