(21) THE ROBINIA (OR FALSE ACACIA)

The ROBINIA or false acacia (Robinia Pseud-Acacia, L.) is a tree of unquestionable beauty, and much has been written of the value of its timber.

It was introduced from North America in the 17th century, and has been extensively cultivated as an ornamental tree. In 1825 Cobbett strongly recommended the planting of it for its timber.

It has been used largely in England for hop-poles, and in France for vine props. In America it is much used for trenails or wooden pins for bolting ship timbers.

It is now planted sparingly, the English summer not being sufficiently long and warm to ripen the shoots. The tree is readily produced from imported seeds, and occasionally from suckers, which are abundant. It should be planted in sheltered situations in dry friable loam. It grows rapidly the first few years, but the trunk in Britain rarely exceeds 1 foot in diameter.






Read the rest of this article:
Arboriculture - Table of Contents