Robinia fertilis |
Native Region: Eastern North America
Zone Range: 5-9
Preferred Climate: Full sun; well draining average soil
Harvest Date: Wednesday 06 February, 2008
Seed count: 25-30
Description:
A tough little tree with rosy pink flowers that appear from June until frost providing nectar and pollen for many winged creatures. Lovely blue green pinnate leaves. Grows to 2-3 meters tall with half the spread. Smooth reddish flat bean like seed pods. Interesting yellow autumn colouring. Drought tolerant, great for very poor soils as being a legume, it fixes nitrogen thus enriching the soil. Tends to sucker so plan accordingly...great for as border/hedge. Short stature doesn't block the veiw. Fast growing.
Notes:
Tough enough for mine reclaimation sites being tolerant of highly acidic soils or to keep slopes stable with its root system. Intolerant of extremely wet sites.
Cultivation:
Break dormancy: Boil some water, and measure out one cup then pour into a bowl, wait one minute then add seeds. Let soak until cool and let sit for 24 hours. Seed should swell 2-3 times its original size. Sow seed, dust legume innoculant* and cover so the seed is 5 mm deep, tamp soil, keep moist. Mulch helps retain moisture. Optimum germination temp: 20 C. Days to germinate: 10-50. Sow thinly! * Legume innoculant isn't necessary, but the tree will grow twice the size in the first and subsequent years compared to its seed sisters grown without it. Larger tree/seedlings bloom at a younger age.
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