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Robinia pseudoacacia 'Frisia'
golden black locust
Species native to the Appalachian and Ozark regions of eastern North America. 'Frisia' was selected in the Netherlands in 1935Learn more
Overview
Robinia pseudoacacia 'Frisia' is golden black locust (Frisia locust), an upright deciduous tree growing 30-50 feet (9-15 m) tall and 20-30 feet (6-9 m) wide — smaller than the species type (40-70 feet / 12-21 m). Selected for golden-yellow to chartreuse pinnately compound foliage in spring and early summer, fading to lime-green by midsummer. The species type R. pseudoacacia has bright to medium green foliage. Seven to 19 oval leaflets each 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm). White pea-shaped flowers 0.75 inch (2 cm) in pendant racemes 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) in May-June — moderately fragrant; blooms less reliably than the species type. Turns yellow to orange in fall. In Fabaceae. Selected in the Netherlands in 1935. Nitrogen-fixing. Weak-wooded — branches break in ice storms and high winds. This branch breakage is the primary structural limitation. Paired stipular thorns at leaf nodes on young growth. The golden foliage color fades to lime-green by midsummer. Root suckers can appear (though less aggressively than the species type). All parts except flowers are toxic (robin lectin). Deer-resistant. Drought-tolerant. Tolerates poor soil and alkaline conditions (pH to 8.5). Zones 4-8. Full sun. Growth rate is fast.
Native Range
Species native to the Appalachian and Ozark regions of eastern North America. 'Frisia' was selected in the Netherlands in 1935.Suggested Uses
Grown as a specimen tree and shade tree in landscapes where the golden spring foliage is the primary feature, spaced 20-30 feet (6-9 m). Weak wood — avoid planting near structures. Root suckers. Thorns. Golden foliage fades by midsummer. Toxic. Zones 4-8.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height30' - 50'
Width/Spread20' - 30'
Reaches mature size in approximately 15 years
Bloom Information
Late spring (May-June). White pea-shaped flowers 0.75 inch (2 cm) in pendant racemes 4-6 inches (10-15 cm). Moderately fragrant. 2 weeks. Blooms less reliably than the species type. Bee-pollinated.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
White, pea-shaped, 0.75 inch (2 cm), in pendant racemes 4-6 inches (10-15 cm); moderately fragrant; blooms less reliably than the species typeFoliage Description
Golden-yellow to chartreuse in spring and early summer, fading to lime-green by midsummer; the species type R. pseudoacacia has bright to medium green foliage; pinnately compound with 7-19 oval leaflets each 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm); turns yellow to orange in fallGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Full sun (6+ hours — full sun required for golden foliage color). Any well-drained soil pH 5.0-8.5 — tolerates poor soil, drought, and alkaline conditions. Nitrogen-fixing. Weak-wooded — branch failures in storms. Thorns on young growth. Root suckers may appear. Prune in winter (January-February). Toxic (all parts except flowers). Deer-resistant. Zones 4-8.Pruning
Prune in winter (January-February). Remove dead, crossing, or weak-angled branches — the wood is brittle. Remove root suckers. The upright open canopy is natural. Thorns on young growth — wear heavy gloves.Pruning Schedule
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