Latin Name - Robinia 'Purple Robe'
Height - 30-50 feet
Spread - 20-35 feet
Growth Rate - Fast
USDA Zone - 4 to 8
Drought Tolerance - Moderate
This attractive flowering tree produces purple-pink blossoms in the spring. As a member of the pea family it has the ability to "fix" nitrogen, meaning it can essentially fertilize itself with atmospheric nitrogen with help from bacteria that live on its roots. On the down side, Purple Robe Locust is susceptible to borers that can attack stressed trees. Sharp, short spines grow on brittle branches that require maintenance after windstorms.