Species

3 other cultivars

treeN. America Native

Golden Robinia

Q: What zones can Golden Robinia grow in?

Golden Robinia is hardy in USDA Zones 5–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Q: Is Golden Robinia deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Golden Robinia, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

Q: When does Golden Robinia bloom?

Golden Robinia typically blooms in spring through early summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Q: Does Golden Robinia need full sun?

Golden Robinia does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Q: Is Golden Robinia drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Golden Robinia handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.

Robinia pseudoacacia 'Frisia'

$72.00

The Story

Plant Bio

Robinia pseudoacacia, native to eastern and south-central North America, is a fast-growing deciduous tree characterized by deeply furrowed bark and pinnately compound leaves. In late spring, it produces drooping racemes of white, pea-like flowers that attract bees, though the species is prone to aggressive root suckering.

'Frisia' is distinguished by its vibrant foliage, which emerges orange-yellow in spring, matures to a bright greenish-gold in summer, and turns deep yellow in fall. This cultivar features prominent wine-red thorns on young twigs and flowers much less frequently than the wild species.

Uses & Benefits:

Vibrant golden-yellow foliage provides intense color contrast from spring through fall.

Fixes atmospheric nitrogen, allowing it to thrive in poor, rocky, or nutrient-depleted soils.

Flowers provide a rich nectar source for bees and other insect pollinators.

SpeciesRobinia pseudoacaciaBlack Locust

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

590"

Width

393"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Low to Moderate

Humidity

Broad

Lifespan

Moderate

Native To

North America

Toxicity

Highly toxic to humans and animals

Bloom period

Spring – Early summer

In flower about 4 months of the year

Marketplace

Where to Buy

Dancing Oaks

<1 Gal Pot

In Stock$72.00

Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping

Planting

How to Grow

Plant in a full-sun location with highly drained soil, as waterlogged conditions cause rapid root decline.
Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep root system, transitioning to minimal irrigation once established.
Prune only in late fall or winter to shape the canopy and remove crossing branches, avoiding spring pruning to prevent heavy sap bleeding.
Monitor the surrounding soil area and manually sever any emerging root suckers at the root of origin.

Pro Tip

Monitor the base of the tree constantly and sever any aggressive underground root suckers at their point of origin to prevent the plant from colonizing the garden.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Plant in full sun to maintain the vibrant golden foliage color.
Ensure the soil drains rapidly and completely.
Prune during dormancy in late fall or winter.
Monitor regularly for signs of borer activity in the trunk.

Don't

Do not plant in wet, heavy clay, or poorly drained sites.
Do not prune in spring when the tree bleeds sap heavily.
Do not cut back into old, leafless wood as it will not regenerate well.
Do not apply heavy nitrogen fertilizers, as this tree fixes its own nitrogen.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Mulch
Pest Check
Prune
Spring Cleanup

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Specimen treeShade treeUrban gardensErosion control on dry slopes

Companion Plants

Cercis canadensis Physocarpus opulifolius Salvia nemorosa

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Golden Robinia questions

What zones can Golden Robinia grow in?

Golden Robinia is hardy in USDA Zones 5–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Golden Robinia deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Golden Robinia, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Golden Robinia bloom?

Golden Robinia typically blooms in spring through early summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Golden Robinia need full sun?

Golden Robinia does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Golden Robinia drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Golden Robinia handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.