Robinia pseudoacacia

Robinia pseudoacacia is a species of deciduous broadleaf flowering plants (in the Fabaceae or Legume, pea or bean family), native to the Appalachian and Ozark mountains of eastern North America. It is a fast-growing tree, which can reach 30 metres. Its bark is reddish-brown or grey and deeply furrowed, with criss-crossing ridges. The tree forms a relatively narrow but spacious crown, which casts light shade. It is widely planted as ornamental in parks and streets.

The leaves are yellow-green or blue-green, arranged on stems with many opposite pairs (technically a compound leaf). They open in May, and turn yellow before falling in autumn. In late spring and early summer the tree produces hanging clusters of fragrant white flowers, followed by brown seed pods, like pea pods; peas and beans, as well as true acacia, also belong to the Fabaceae family. Like many plants of that family, Robinia pseudoacacia can grow in poor soils, which it can improve by fixing nitrogen. It tolerates drought but does not grow well in shade, being a pioneer species, and can colonise open areas by root suckers as well as by seed.

Robinia pseudoacacia has become naturalised, and in some regions invasive, throughout North America and elsewhere, including mainland Europe and Australia. The flowers are the source of nectar for "acacia honey", for which it is extensively planted in eastern and southern Europe. It is planted also for erosion control, windbreaks and land reclamation. Its wood is strong and durable, often used for fencing and furniture.

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