Robinia pseudoacacia 'Lace Lady' (Twisty Baby Black Locust)


Botanical Information

FamilyFabaceae
GenusRobinia
Speciespseudoacacia
Cultivar'Lace Lady'
Tradmarked NameTwisty Baby™
CategoryWoody
TypeTree (deciduous)
OriginPatented in 1996 under the cultivar name 'Lace Lady' (PP9771), but is now being sold under the trademarked name Twisty Baby™.
Pronunciation

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone3
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness Zone1
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness ZoneH7
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Temperature (°C)-40 - (-35)
Temperature (°F)-40 - (-30)
Height9 -15 m
Spread6 -10.5 m
GrowthFast
Flowering PeriodJune

Description and Growing Information

General DescriptionA unique looking tree with distinctive branching. With elliptical shaped pinnately compound leaves, usually deep green with a bluish tinge.
ID CharacteristicA tree with twisted branches and ridged bark, and curled leaves. With clusters of white fragrant flowers and pods that persist.
LandscapeIt is great in gardens as a focal point, with it's white fragrant flowers, and great branching with a year round interest because of the twisted branches.
PropagationPropagated through grafting onto R. pseudoacacia rootstock.
CultivationLikes full sun, easily transplanted. Grows well is moist well-drained soils, but is also very adaptable to many soil types. Salt and drought tolerant.
PestsBorers may cause some problems, as well as scale insects. Strong winter winds and heavy snow may also cause injury.
Notable SpecimensRoyal Botanical Gardens, Burlington, Ontario, Canada. The Gardens of Fanshawe College, London, Ontario, Canada.
HabitatHorticultural origin.
Bark/Stem DescriptionReddish brown almost black.
Flower/Leaf Bud DescriptionThroughout the summer it produces new terminal growth, until autumn. The apical buds are a brighter green in colour, having a greyish underside on the leaflets as they curl upwards.
Leaf DescriptionA unique characteristic of the Black Locust is it’s curled leaves, which happens as it matures. Pinnately compound, elliptical, producing 7-9 leaflets on each branch, each 15-35 cm long.
Flower DescriptionHang in white fragrant clusters from branches.
Fruit DescriptionLong sweet pea-like pods, usually black to brown, 5-10 cm long and persistent.
Colour DescriptionFoliage is a dark bluish-green throughout summer, and turns yellow in autumn.
Texture DescriptionRidged and deeply furrowed.

Photographs