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New Mexico Locust
Scientific Name: Robinia neomexicana Gray
Family: Fabaceae

Show Larger Picture Picture U.S.D.A Forest Service, Courtesy of the Hunt Institute

Recommended Temperature Zone: sunset: 1-3,7-11,14-24 USDA: 5-8 Sun Exposure: Full sun Origin: Southwestern USA, northwestern Mexico, at 4000 to 8500 feet elevation (1200-2500 m), mostly in canyon slopes Growth Habits: Deciduous small tree or shrub, 3 to 26 feet tall (1-8 m), in the wild forms large thorny thickets; trunk 4 to 8 inches in diameter (10-20 cm); thin bark; leaves 6 to 8 inches long (15-20 cm), with 11 to 19 leaflets, folding in the evenings Watering Needs: Very drought tolerant, little to no water when established Propagation: Seeds that keeps for many years, but need scarification or other treatment to breach their coat before they will germinate, root suckers, hardwood cuttings

Blooming Habits:
The showy, aromatic, inflorescence is a dense raceme, 4 to 8 inches long (10-20 cm), appearing in May or June. The fragrant flowers are generally purplish-pink, 0.5 to 1 inch long (1.2-2.5 cm), but can vary from pale rose to red.

Fruiting Habits:
The fruit is a brown flattened pod, 2 to 4 inches long (10-20 cm), 0.3 inch wide (8 mm) with a narrow wing, ripening in September and October.