Robinia pseudoacacia 'Frisia', golden black locust
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Broadleaf Deciduous Trees

Robinia pseudoacacia 'Frisia'

golden black locust

Fabaceae

Central Appalachian and Ozark regions (cultivar selected in the Netherlands)

At a Glance

TypeTree
HabitUpright
FoliageDeciduous
Height30-50 feet (9-15 m)
Width20-30 feet (6-9 m)
Maturity15 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

4 - 8
Zone 4
Zone 5
Zone 6
Zone 7
Zone 8
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Attracts Pollinators
Deer Resistant
Drought Tolerant
Fragrant (moderate)
Native to North America
Maintenancemoderate

Overview

Robinia pseudoacacia 'Frisia' is a medium deciduous tree reaching 30-50 feet (9-15 m) tall with a spread of 20-30 feet (6-9 m), developing an upright, somewhat open, irregular crown. This cultivar, selected in a Dutch nursery in 1935, is distinguished by its brilliant golden-yellow foliage that provides season-long color. Bark is similar to the species: dark gray-brown, deeply furrowed with rope-like ridges. Thorns are present but typically smaller and fewer than on the species. Leaves are alternate, pinnately compound, 8-14 inches (20-36 cm) long, with 7-15 oval leaflets. Foliage emerges rich golden-yellow to chartreuse in spring, holds bright yellow through summer (fading slightly to yellow-green in hot weather), and turns warm yellow-orange in fall. Flowers are white, fragrant, pea-like, in pendulous racemes in May to June, though 'Frisia' flowers less prolifically than the species. Fruit is a flat brown pod, produced sparsely. Growth rate is moderate to fast at 12-24 inches (30-61 cm) per year, somewhat slower than the species. Typically less aggressive in suckering than the species, though root suckers can still occur. Branches are somewhat brittle and prone to storm damage. A nitrogen-fixing legume. All parts except flowers are toxic.

Native Range

The species Robinia pseudoacacia is native to the central Appalachian and Ozark regions of eastern North America. The cultivar 'Frisia' was selected in the Jansen Nursery in Zwollerkerspel, the Netherlands, in 1935, for its golden-yellow foliage.

Suggested Uses

Planted as a specimen or accent tree where the golden foliage can be displayed against a dark backdrop (evergreen conifers, dark buildings), spaced 20-30 feet (6-9 m) from structures. The golden color provides dramatic contrast in mixed plantings. Nitrogen fixation benefits surrounding plants. Somewhat brittle branches limit its suitability as a street tree. A Great Plant Picks recommendation for the Pacific Northwest.

How to Identify

Identified by bright golden-yellow pinnately compound foliage on thorned branches with deeply furrowed dark bark. Distinguished from the green-leaved species by the vivid yellow foliage color. Distinguished from Gleditsia triacanthos 'Sunburst' (another golden-leaved legume tree) by simple pinnate (not bipinnate) leaves, smaller leaflets, and darker bark. The golden color holds relatively well through summer in Pacific Northwest maritime climates.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height30' - 50'
Width/Spread20' - 30'

Reaches mature size in approximately 15 years

Colors

Flower Colors

white

Foliage Colors

yellow

Fall Foliage Colors

yellow
orange

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~2 weeks
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Spring
White pea-like flowers in pendulous racemes appear in May to June, though less profusely than the species. In the Pacific Northwest, bloom typically occurs in late May to early June, lasting 1-2 weeks. Fragrance is sweet but less intense than the species due to reduced flower production.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

White

Foliage Description

Golden-yellow to chartreuse

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun
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

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.0 - 8.5(Neutral)
357912
Soil Types
loamsandclayrockychalk
Drainage
well drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Very Low

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

5-8 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Water during the first growing season. Established trees are highly drought-tolerant. Plant in full sun with at least 6 hours of direct light; foliage color is best in full sun and fades to yellow-green in shade. Tolerates a wide range of soil types. Branches are somewhat brittle; site in a location protected from strong prevailing winds. Prune for structural integrity in youth to reduce storm damage risk. Less aggressive in suckering than the species but root suckers can still occur; remove promptly. Check local invasive species regulations — while 'Frisia' produces fewer seeds than the species, the species is regulated in some areas.

Pruning

Prune in late winter (January through February) while dormant. Establish strong scaffold branching in youth, removing narrow crotch angles and codominant leaders to reduce storm breakage risk. Remove dead, damaged, and crossing branches. Remove root suckers. Thorns on young growth require protective gloves.

Pruning Schedule

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winter

Maintenance Level

moderate

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Toxic to pets and humans