Purple Robe Black Locust

‘Purple Robe’ is a medium sized, suckering, deciduous tree that typically grows to 30-40’ tall with an oval-upright habit. It is noted for its attractive compound leaves and pendant racemes of violet purple pea-like flowers. It is advertised as thornless, but plants with thorns are found in commerce. Pinnate bronze-green leaves, with each leaf having up to 23 lance-shaped to ovate leaflets, are attractive during the growing season. Leaves emerge an interesting bronze-red in spring, but eventually turn an uneventful yellow in fall. Fragrant wisteria-like violet purple flowers in pendant racemes (to 8” long) bloom in mid to late spring. Bees are attracted to the flowers.