Brady's Locust, Rose Acacia
robinia hispida
Also known as: ["Brady Locust","Hairy Locust","Rose Acacia"]
Overview
A deciduous shrub or small tree native to the southeastern United States, known for its showy, rose-pink, pea-like flowers and thorny stems.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","aesthetic foliage"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Fabales |
| Family: | Fabaceae |
| Genus: | Robinia |
| Botanical Name: | Robinia hispida |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: outdoor garden in full sun
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: moderate
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–15–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"5–9"}
- Misting: rarely required
- Drainage: Fast-draining; avoid waterlogged conditions.
- Soil Type: Well-draining loam with organic matter; tolerates poor soils but thrives with compost.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually after flowering; light pruning can be done in late winter.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old growth if needed.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours/day); tolerates partial shade but blooms best in direct light.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate new plants gradually to full sun; protect from harsh afternoon sun in hot climates; ensure adequate light indoors if grown as a container plant.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun
Rotate plant for even light exposure; use sheer curtains to filter intense sun; avoid drafty windows.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure good drainage; avoid wetting foliage.
Soil
well-drained, loamy soil
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0–7.0).
Mulch to retain moisture; avoid overwatering; test pH if growth is poor.
Temperature
Hardy in USDA zones 5–9; prefers 60–75°F (15–24°C); tolerates mild frosts but avoid prolonged freezing.
Avoid placing near drafty doors/windows; use shade cloth in summer; protect from frost in early spring.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize once a year in spring; water before and after feeding; avoid high-nitrogen formulas.
Propagation
Methods
Softwood cuttings in summer; seeds (stratify for 3 months before sowing).
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take cuttings.
- Apply rooting hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Maintain humidity.
- Transplant when rooted.
Best Time: Late spring to early summer for cuttings; winter for seeds (after stratification).
Environment
Warm (70–75°F), high humidity (70–80%), partial shade.
Medium
Peat and perlite mix; or coarse sand for seeds.
Hormone
Rooting hormone recommended for cuttings.
Timeline
Cuttings root in 4–6 weeks; seedlings emerge in 2–3 months after stratification.
Tools Needed
Pruners, rooting hormone, pots, misting spray bottle.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep soil consistently moist; provide bottom heat for faster rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Thinning cuts to open the canopy; heading cuts to encourage bushiness.
Pruning Plan
Prune to shape, remove dead wood, and encourage flowering; best done after blooming.
Tools
Pruning shears, loppers, gloves.
Checklist
Disinfect tools; prune after flowering; remove dead/diseased wood; shape as desired.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim roots if crowded; repot in fresh, well-draining soil; water lightly.
Suggestions
Repot container-grown plants every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot.
Checklist
Check root bound status; prepare new pot; trim roots; use fresh soil; water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; avoid wetting leaves.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; allow excess water to drain away; water early in the day to minimize evaporation.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top inch of soil is dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or aged manure; incorporate perlite or sand for drainage; avoid heavy clay soils.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf drop, wilting, or stunted growth in extreme heat or cold; yellowing leaves in cold stress.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures slow growth and may cause leaf drop; prolonged freezing can damage buds and stems.
Solution: Mulch heavily around the base; move container plants indoors; protect from frost with row covers.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can scorch leaves, cause bud drop, and stress the plant, leading to reduced flowering.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering; use mulch to retain soil moisture; mist foliage during heatwaves.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check soil fertility; apply fertilizer in spring; water thoroughly after application.
Fertilizing Method
Use balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring; avoid over-fertilizing, which can reduce flowering.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
ToxicRobinia hispida is toxic to cats, with the seeds and pods containing compounds that can cause severe poisoning. These toxins affect cellular respiration and can lead to critical health issues.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
ToxicThe seeds and pods of Robinia hispida are toxic to dogs, containing compounds that disrupt cellular respiration and can lead to severe poisoning. Ingestion can result in serious health complications.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
ToxicRobinia hispida contains toxic compounds, primarily rotenone and robin, which can cause significant physiological effects upon ingestion. These compounds interfere with cellular respiration and can lead to severe systemic toxicity.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Robinia hispida toxic to pets?
A: Yes, Robinia hispida is toxic to dogs and cats if ingested.
Q: Does Robinia hispida attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds due to its nectar-rich flowers.
Q: How difficult is Robinia hispida to care for?
A: It has moderate care difficulty, requiring regular maintenance and attention to soil and water conditions.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Fabaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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