Robinia viscosa aka Clammy Locust

Taxonomy

Robinia viscosa, also known as clammy locust, is a medium-sized deciduous tree or shrub native to the southeastern United States. It grows up to 12 feet in height and has woody paired spines on its stems. The plant prefers well-draining soil and full sun, and can grow in thin dry woods, rocky slopes, or on roadside banks. The leaves are alternate, odd pinnately compound, and have 13-23 leaflets that are elliptic to oblong in outline. Flowers are papilionaceous and light to dark pink in color with a yellowish-green spot on the standard petal, produced in axillary pendulous racemes. The fruit is a glandular pubescent legume. Clammy locust is sometimes available from nurseries but needs to be kept in direct light and watered regularly to thrive. It is also a hardy plant that can grow where little else will. Care should be taken to remove root sprouts to prevent its spread in the garden, and the plant should be repotted each time it doubles in size.

Common names

Clammy Locust, Rose Acacia, Clammy Bark Locust

How to care for Clammy Locust

Difficulty

Clammy Locust presents a moderate level of care, which allows plant enthusiasts with some experience to expand their skills and knowledge.

Water

Clammy Locust should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Clammy Locust loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

To ensure optimal growth, the Clammy Locust prefers bright diffused light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

Toxicity

The toxicity level of this plant has not been officially confirmed by Ploi. If there is a possibility of ingestion of plant material with an uncertain toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is advisable to seek the assistance of a medical professional.

Fertilizer

Repotting the Clammy Locust is necessary either when it has doubled in size or once every year, whichever happens first. With fresh potting soil replenished annually, the plant will receive all the necessary nutrients, rendering the use of fertilizer unnecessary. Keep in mind that the source of a plant's energy is the sun, not fertilizer.

Region of origin

Clammy Locust’s native range is South-eastern N. America - Pennsylvania to Alabama.


More info:
Wikipedia