RE: Favorite tree

Title: RE: Favorite tree
About 7 years ago, we planted 4 trees, purchased from our local Armstrong Nursery that were, I believe, labeled Purple Robe Locust.  We sought out the tree after seeing them enthusiastically reviewed in a Sunset Magazine issue.  When initially planted they stood about 7 feet tall; now they are taller than a two story house.  In late spring the trees are in full bloom and heavy with small velvety leaves shaded a rich light green.  However, the beauty of our robinia is especially appreciated because it is so short-lived.  By mid-July many of the leaves turn yellow, mottled with black spots.  By the end of July only about 25% of the leaves remain.  A house nearby has a stand of much older robinia. Those trees drop about half of their leaves by August. 
 
Is the mottling and leaf-loss common for Purple Robe?  We live in Pasadena, Calif.
 
Regards,
Doug
 
 
-----Original Message-----
From: owner-woodyplants@mallorn.com [mailto:owner-woodyplants@mallorn.com]On Behalf Of Don Martinson
Sent: Wednesday, October 24, 2001 11:13 AM
To: woodyplants@mallorn.com
Subject: RE: Favorite tree

Lynn:
Though, thinking again about the mess they create, anyone care to mention their favorite fast-growing, good canopy, shade tree?
Thanks,
Doug
 


While not everyone's cup of tea, here is one of my favorites:

False locust, Robinia pseudoacacia cv. 'Purple Robe'

Pluses:
Fast growing (photo below is a tree 12 years old from a 6 ft whip)
Light, open, shade
Blooms at early age
Striking (to me) late spring display of pink, fragrant, wisteria like flowers. See photo at:
http://home.wi.rr.com/llmen/robinia.jpg
Little fall cleanup since leaflets/leafblades are relatively small
Seedless
Very little suckering for me

Minuses:
Some mess in spring when spent flowers fall, but easy cleanup (strong wind will blow they away)
No significant fall color
Occasional suckering
Some sources suggest it is weak-wooded, and I have had one major branch split (I bolted it back in place and it seems fine)

--
Don Martinson
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Mailto:llmen@wi.rr.com

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