Carolina Nature

Trees, Shrubs, and Woody Vines of North Carolina

Bristly Locust (Robinia hispida var. hispida)

Plantae>Magnoliophyta>Magnoliopsida>Fabales>Fabaceae>Robinia hispida L.

Bristly Locust (Robinia hispida var. hispida) shrub

Bristly Locust is a fairly common shrub, generally about 1 meter or so tall, that grows natively in North Carolina in the Mountain region and perhaps upper Piedmont, and is persistent from cultivation throughout the state. Though it flowers abundantly, it rarely sets fruit.

Carroll Co., VA 5/26/2007.

Bristly Locust (Robinia hispida var. hispida) leaves

The leaflets are about 2-2.5 x as long as broad. The similar but rare var. fertilis has broader leaflets and set fruit abundantly. The two other varieties of Robinia hispida, var. kelseyi and var. rosea, both of which are rare, have glandular-pubescent or viscous instead of hispid branches.

Carroll Co., VA 5/26/2007.

Bristly Locust (Robinia hispida var. hispida) branches

The branches are hispid -- densely covered with stout, bristly hairs. Compare with Clammy Locust (Robinia viscosa), which has branches covered with viscid short-stalked glands.

Carroll Co., VA 5/26/07.

Bristly Locust (Robinia hispida var. hispida) flowers

Carroll Co., VA 5/26/07.

Bristly Locust (Robinia hispida var. hispida) flowers

Carroll Co., VA 5/26/07.

Bristly Locust (Robinia hispida var. hispida) flowers

Carroll Co., VA 5/26/07.

Bristly Locust (Robinia hispida var. hispida) flowers

Unopened inflorescence.

Carroll Co., VA 5/26/07.

Bristly Locust (Robinia hispida var. hispida) flower

Flower detail. Even the sepals are hispid.

Carroll Co., VA 5/26/07.

Bristly Locust (Robinia hispida var. hispida) bark

Bark detail.

Carroll Co., VA 5/26/07.

More information:
Missouri Plants
Oklahoma Shrubs
Pink-Flowered Robinias
USDA PLANTS

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