Robinia pseudoacacia 'Lace Lady'
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CONTORTED BLACK LOCUST
Twisty BabyTM
Family: Fabaceae
Pronounced: roh-BIN-ee-uh soo-doh-a-KAY-see-uh
GROWING GUIDE
Geographic Origin:
Garden.
Plant Group:
Trees.
Hardiness:
Sunset zones: 1-24.
USDA: zones 4-9.
Heat zones: 9-3.
Mature size:
Height: 15 feet (4.5 m)).
Width: 15 feet (4.5 m).
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Flowering period: Spring.
Flowering attributes: Fragrant, white, sweet pea-like flowers with a small, yellow blotch, hang in clusters from branches.
Leaf attributes: Pinnately compound, dark green leaves that curl as they mature and turn yellow in fall.
Light: Full sun.
Soil: Adaptable to almost any soil, but grows best in moist, rich, loamy, well-drained soil.
Feeding: Side-dress with compost.
Pruning Methods: Remove suckers and root sprouts. Prune back branches to encourage more contorted new growth.
Pests and Diseases: Infrequent problems.
Rainy Side Notes
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I don't know what it is about contorted trees that grabs me, and makes me feel all twisty with excitement inside. When Robinia 'Lace Lady' attracted my attention, at the Monrovia display garden in Oregon, its contorted branches and leaves were curling every which way.
This small tree, a wonderful focal point in any garden, provides fragrant, spring flowers, unusual leaves for summer interest and twisted branches for year-round intrigue. In addition, it is just as handsome planted in a container sitting on a deck or patio. The tree is drought tolerant once established, which is a bonus during our annual drought in the Northwest. Adaptable to almost any soil type except permanently wet ones, Robinia ‘Lace Lady’ fixes its own nitrogen supply.
Debra Teachout-Teashon
Photographed by author at Monrovia.
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