Robinia is a deciduous perennial related to the legume family. The plant attracts with its delicate foliage and fragrant flowers. Robinia is often called pseudo-acacia. The similarity of the two species is quite obvious, but the robinia inflorescences are painted in a white tone. Its origin is from the countries of North America. Today, the shrub is also common in the south of Russia. The plant shows a tendency to grow independently and does not need too demanding care.
Description of the plant
Robinia looks like a sprawling tall shrub or tree. There are specimens of about 25 m in height. Sometimes in their natural environment, trees, under favorable conditions, even grow up to 35 m. The branching of the main trunk starts from the base. The stem branches are protected by a layer of gray bark, which is covered with cracks. Garden varietal trees of false acacia barely reach more than five meters in height. The rhizome is sufficiently developed, which allows the shrub to maintain balance in gusts of wind and to stay securely in the ground.
In May, petiolate leaves with oblong bare or rough green lobes bloom from the buds. The arrangement of the foliage is opposite. The size of one leaf does not exceed 25 cm. There are such types of robinia, which have sharp thorns of short length next to the petiole. Leaf blades and thin branches form a soft openwork crown that shines through in the sun.
Flowering starts in early June, when young shoots are covered with lush snow-white panicle inflorescences, exuding a pleasant aroma. The panicles are attached to the axillary part with peduncles. The bud resembles a bell, consisting of 5 serrated petals. The top of the flowers grows together and creates a sail. Panicle length is approximately 15 to 20 cm.
Pseudoacacia bears fruit at the end of September with brown flattened beans with a diameter of no more than 12 cm. The inner part of the fruit contains small smooth flattened achenes. The brown seeds are protected by a thin skin.
Types and varieties of robinia with a photo
In horticulture, the names of about 10 species are known. The following species are most often grown on the plots.
Common robinia (Robinia pseudoacacia)
This pseudoacacia grows on limestones in the coastal marine area and looks like a deciduous shrub. The patterned thin crown of leaves consists of several tiers. Dark gray bark, streaked with deep cracks, covers the trunk from top to bottom. With the arrival of spring, the leaves acquire a gentle pubescence. In summer, the foliage has a rich green color and a glossy sheen. At the end of the season, it turns yellow. The lifespan of fragrant inflorescences before wilting is about 20 days. The color of the flowers is white or pink. Ripening of brown beans occurs in October. Their length can reach from 5 to 12 cm. Varietal varieties of robinia vulgaris include:
- Pendula, which has an understanding crown;
- Rehderi - branches are woven into a ball;
- Tortuoza with a flat crown;
- Argenteo-variegata has colorful, spectacular foliage;
- Decaisneana is characterized by pale pink paniculate inflorescences.
Robinia viscosa
The branches of the tree form a rounded, spreading crown with a height of 8 to 12 m. The color of the bark is cinnamon with a pink tint. Petioles and inflorescences are covered with sticky hair. This type of false acacia does not contain thorns. The petioles are formed from numerous green lobes no more than 20 cm in size. The flowering of the shrub is to be expected in June. The smell of flowers is almost imperceptible until you approach them. The panicles are painted in a pink color palette. Fastening of panicles is carried out due to low peduncles. Bristly beans are sticky to the touch. The size of the fruits ranges from 5 to 8 cm. Among the varieties belonging to the sticky robinia, Bellarosea stands out with dark lush inflorescences.
Robinia hispida
The branches of the shrub grow up to 3 m. The plant is thermophilic, therefore it needs a protective shelter for the period of frost. All vegetative parts have long red hairs. Shoots are devoid of thorns. The color of the branches is presented in red-brown tones. The length of the dark green leaf blades is about 20-23 cm. Pink inflorescences open in June. Depending on the conditions of the area, the shade of the flowers may be different. The size of the protruding corolla is about 2.5 cm. Each panicle contains from 3 to 9 corollas. The variety blooms again in early September. Fruits covered with bristles ripen within a month.
Growing robinia
There is a seed method of reproduction or growing robinia using shoots.
Seed germination is considered more effective breeding. They are extracted from the beans of the robinia vulgaris. Before sowing, the material is prepared, namely, it is doused with boiling water, after which it is soaked in cold water. The procedure allows you to soften the skin so that moisture penetrates the embryo. Another method of processing beans is cutting the skin off with a file. Sowing is organized in greenhouses or pots filled with peat and sand. The optimal time to start growing seedlings is May. Seedlings will appear on the surface after two weeks. Seedlings survive quietly without additional cover. It is only important to observe a regular watering regime. In June, containers with pseudo-acacia are placed in the garden. Here the shrub remains to grow until next spring. After a year, the seedlings are transferred to free soil.
For vegetative propagation, root shoots are cut out. The bushes sprout new shoots every season, which are perfect for transplanting to another place. In addition to the shoots, gardeners are engaged in the creation of air layers. To implement the idea, you need to tie a pot of soil to a branch. Roots are formed during the summer. When the branch is well rooted, it is cut from the main tree or bush and replanted.
Robinia care
Robinia does not require much care. The plant does not show requirements for the substrate and easily adapts to growing in any soil. Trees fully develop in loamy areas dominated by limestone. The place for breeding robinia should be illuminated by the sun and be away from drafts.
Robinia are sensitive to low temperatures at a young age. In this connection, trees should be covered with non-woven material. Long-lived plants can withstand severe frosts. However, specimens planted in dense moist soil are more likely to suffer. Finish planting false acacia by mulching using a sawdust or peat layer 4 to 6 cm wide. This protection allows you to get rid of weeds and quickly dry out the soil after watering.
Robinia prefers a moderately moist type of soil, however, stagnant water oppresses the plant. Prolonged drought is not terrible for a perennial; watering is carried out only occasionally. In temperate latitudes, the tree has enough moisture obtained from natural precipitation.
All varieties of Robinia are fed with organic solutions.For these purposes, mainly rotted manure is used. It is advisable to fertilize poor soils at least once a month.
The plant tolerates pruning painlessly. The procedure is recommended to be performed in early spring. The re-formation of the crown is done when the foliage grows up. Root shoots and dry branches are removed in time. The perennial rhizome develops very quickly, capturing the free area around.
Pseudoacacia is not afraid of pest attacks and rarely gets sick, which simplifies the gardener's work and eliminates unnecessary trouble to save the garden pet.
Robinia properties
Robinia is an attractive ornamental tree or shrub with a rich lush crown of patterned leaves and spreading branches. Throughout summer, this handsome, deciduous man fills the garden with a fragrant aroma. Fruit trees should be planted next to it carefully, adhering to a reasonable distance, otherwise the robinia will aggressively react to the appearance of uninvited neighbors. Perennial groups are usually planted in parks or near houses.
The inflorescences and bark of false acacia are used as folk remedies. The tissues contain astringent, expectorant and anti-inflammatory substances. A decoction of plant materials is used in the fight against gastrointestinal diseases, rheumatism and neuralgia.
Blooming robinia exhibits excellent melliferous properties. Transparent fragrant honey, collected by bees, remains liquid for a long time and does not crystallize. Robinia is famous for its durable wood, which is not inferior in mechanical parameters to other species. The woody material of the perennial is used for the manufacture of piles, poles and other joinery.
