Robinia fertilis
| Robinia fertilis | |
| Light: |  |
| Moisture: |   |
| Hardiness: | 5 |
| Soil pH: | 5.6-8.4 |
| Height: | 7' |
| Speed: | Moderate |
| Blooms: | Late Spring-Early Summer |
| Native to: | |
| Nitrogen Fixer | |
| Tea: | Yes |
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Robinia fertilis (common name: bristly locust)
Propagation: Seed - pre-soak for 48 hours in warm water and sow the seed in late winter in a cold frame[1]. A short stratification improves germination rates and time[1]. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in the following summer. The seed remains viable for over 10 years in normal storage[2].
Suckers taken during the dormant season.
Cultivation: Succeeds in any soil, preferring one that is not too rich[3][4]. Requires a well-drained soil, succeeding on dry barren sites[4]. Plants are tolerant of drought and atmospheric pollution[4].
The branches are brittle and very liable to wind damage[4]. When plants are grown in rich soils they produce coarse and rank growth which is even more liable to wind damage[5][4].
Plants sucker freely, the suckers have vicious thorns.
Any pruning should be done in late summer in order to reduce the risk of bleeding[4].
Hardy to at least -20°c.
This species is very closely allied to R. hispida and scarcely merits specific rank.
A very greedy tree, tending to impoverish the soil.
Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[4].
This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby[4].
Range: South-eastern N. America.
Habitat: Dry woodland and hillside scrub.
Usage: Plants produce an extensive suckering root system and can be used for soil stabilization on banks etc.
Pollinators: Insects
Soil: Can grow in light, medium, and heavy soils.
Drainage: Prefers well drained soil.
Pollution: Tolerates environmental pollution.
Flower Type: Hermaphrodite
Links
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 McMillan-Browse, Philip. Hardy Woody Plants from Seed. Grower Books, 1985.
- ↑ Dirr, Michael and Charles Heuser. The Reference Manual of Woody Plant Propagation. Athens Ga. Varsity Press, 1987.
- ↑ Chittendon, Fred. RHS Dictionary of Plants. Oxford University Press, 1951.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 4.6 4.7 Huxley, Anthony. The New Royal Horticultural Society Dictionary of Gardening. MacMillan Press, 1992.
- ↑ Bean, William. Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Murray, 1981.