False acacia / black locust tree

The false acacia (Robinia pseudoacacia) was introduced to the UK from North America in the 1640s by John Tradescant the Younger.

False Acacia

False acacia / black locust tree (Robinia pseudoacacia)

Did you know?

  • The false acacia is a major source plant for honey in the USA and France.
  • Kew’s false acacia is home to the Chief Gnome in the CBBC cartoon Gordon the Garden Gnome.

 

Location

On the Orangery lawn beside the wisteria arch located near the Secluded Garden conservatory

Historical information

Having followed in the footsteps of his plant-hunting father, John Tradescant made three journeys to Virginia 'to gather up all raritye of flowers, plants, shells…'. The genus was named after French gardener, Jean Robin. By 1768, Kew was growing three species of Robinia.

Kew’s specimen of false acacia was one of a collection of trees brought from the Duke of Argyll’s estate at Whitton. The last remaining specimen from this shipment, it is one of the few trees that survive from the original botanic garden founded by Princess Augusta in 1759. Now supported by metal bands, it was struck by lightning in July 2009 but survived.

One other Robinia specimen, planted at Kew in 1762, is located beside the Administration building.

About this species

Native to the eastern USA, the false acacia is a member of the pea and bean family, Leguminosae. It has feathery green foliage and hanging spikes of fragrant white flowers. The tree’s hard, heavy timber is resistant to decay and is favoured for making fence- and gate-posts.

 

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We invite photographers to capture the sights at Kew and Wakehurst. These images are a selection of images submitted by photographers from around the world. We hope you enjoy them. You can see more on Flickr.