Try for Free
tab list
PictureThis
English
arrow
English
繁體中文
日本語
Español
Français
Deutsch
Pусский
Português
Italiano
PictureThis
Search
Search Plants
Try for Free
Global
English
English
繁體中文
日本語
Español
Français
Deutsch
Pусский
Português
Italiano
This page looks better in the app
picturethis icon
Instantly identify plants with a snap
Snap a photo for instant plant ID, gaining quick insights on disease prevention, treatment, toxicity, care, uses, and symbolism, etc.
Download the App for Free
Continue Reading
Bristly locust

How to identify Bristly locust (Robinia hispida)

Bristly locust, also known as Moss locust, Standing sweat pea

Bristly locust is distinguished by its vibrant, pendulous pink flower clusters, resembling those of peas, that bloom in spring. Its leaves are compound, contributing to its aesthetic appeal, especially when they turn yellow in the fall. The plant's size ranges from 2-10 feet (0.61-3.05 meters) in height with a generous spread of 5-15 feet (1.52-4.57 meters). A characteristic feature is the purplish bristly hairs that cover its stems and branches, along with spines located at the leaf stems' bases.

Lifespan

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type

Plant Type: Shrub

Leaf Type

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify Bristly locust

1

Vibrant pendulous pink flower clusters resembling peas.

2

Compound leaves turning vivid yellow in the fall.

3

Distinct bristly purple flat seed pods, 2-3 inches (5-7.6 cm) long.

4

Purplish-brown bristly hairs covering stems and branches.

5

Smooth bark with a reddish-brown hue, displaying subtle vertical ridges.

Bristly locustBristly locustBristly locustBristly locustBristly locust

Detailed Traits of Bristly locust

Leaf Features

The leaves of bristly locust are alternate, pinnate compound and blue-green, exhibiting a vivid yellow hue in the fall. Each leaf measures approximately 0.5–1 foot (15–30 cm) in length and is odd-pinnate, containing 7-15 oval leaflets. These leaflets are 1-2 inches (2.5–5 cm) long and 0.5-1 inch (1.3–2.5 cm) across, with rounded tips and bases. Notably, two sharp spines are present at the base of each leaf stem, providing a distinct identification feature.

Learn About the Leaf Glossary
Group
Flower Features

The flowers of bristly locust are notable for their striking pink to bright rose hues. Each flower is pea-like, approximately 1 inch (2.5 cm) across, with five distinct petals. They are arranged on pendulous racemes measuring 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 cm) long, blooming in mid-spring from April to June. The flowers feature a calyx covered with purple-brown bristly hairs and five visible teeth, which add to their unique texture and appearance.

Learn About the Flower Glossary
Group
Stem Features

The stems of bristly locust are distinguished by their purplish-brown bristly hairs, giving them a unique and rough texture. These hairs cover the entire length of the stem, often appearing dense and prominent. The color of the stem underneath the hairs is typically a greenish hue. Stems are moderately thick, measuring approximately 0.5 inches (1.27 cm) in diameter, and exhibit a somewhat irregular branching pattern. These physical characteristics make the stems of bristly locust easily recognizable.

Learn About the Stem Glossary
Group
Fruit Features

The fruit of bristly locust is a distinct bristly purple flat seed pod, measuring about 2-3 inches (5-7.6 cm) in length. Each pod typically houses 3-5 seeds within its confines. This leguminous fruit is textured with fine, hair-like bristles that contribute to its unique tactile quality. The pods develop from its flowers and, when mature, they exhibit a purple to purplish-brown hue, making them visually notable. These characteristics are essential for identification and help distinguish the fruit from other similar species.

Learn About the Fruit Glossary
Group
Icon code

Scan QR code to download

More Plants You May Like and How to Identify Them
Img topic
Cape jasmine

Gardenia jasminoides is an evergreen shrub with unique, glossy evergreen leaves and stunning flowers. The sophisticated, matte white flowers are often used in bouquets. The exceptional beauty of this ornamental plant has made it a popular and highly appreciated plant amongst gardeners and horticulturalists.

Img topic
Golden pothos

The golden pothos (Epipremnum aureum) is a popular houseplant that is commonly seen in Australia, Asia, and the West Indies. It goes by many nicknames, including "devil's ivy", because it is so hard to kill and can even grow in low light conditions. Golden pothos has poisonous sap, so it should be kept away from pets and children.

Img topic
Tomato

Solanum lycopersicum is an annual or perennial herbaceous vine native to Central and South America that produces a large, juicy, edible fruit known as tomato. Today there are over 10000 cultivated varieties. Although tomato is the world’s most popular vegetable, botanically it is a fruit.

Img topic
Pepper

The pepper are commonly used for cooking in places such as the Southern U.S. and Central America. Most are moderately spicy, though because there are so many variants, the spice level can vary dramatically. Cayenne powder is also a popular seasoning product made from pepper plants.

Img topic
Swiss cheese plant

The swiss cheese plant (Monstera deliciosa) produces bright, glossy leaves and makes a popular houseplant. It is originally native to tropical forest regions in Central America. The nickname swiss cheese plant refers to the small holes that develop in the plant's leaves. The long fruits resemble corncobs and smell sweet and fragrant when ripe.

Img topic
Bigleaf hydrangea

The bigleaf hydrangea is a deciduous shrub native to Japan, and is known for its lush, oval, colorful inflorescence. The two types of Hydrangea macrophylla are mopheads - with large, ball-shaped, sterile flower clusters, and lace capes - with small round fertile flowers in the center, and sterile flowers on the outer side of each inflorescence. Depending on soil pH, blooms can change color from pink to blue.

Identify Bristly locust easily and quickly
We're also capable of identifying over 12,000 types of plants, flowers, succulents, and trees in your surroundings.
Identify a Plant Online

Key Facts About Bristly locust

Attributes of Bristly locust
Spread
90 cm to 1.8 m
Leaf Color
Green
Flower Size
3 cm
Flower Color
Pink
Purple
Fruit Color
Pink
Stem Color
Green
Pink
Leaf type
Deciduous
Identify plants with a snap
Instantly identify plants with AI: Snap a photo, and get accurate results within seconds.
Download the App for Free

Scientific Classification of Bristly locust

Family
Legume
Icon allow
Genus
Locusts
Icon allow
Species
Bristly locust (Robinia hispida)
Learn More About the Bristly locust

Distribution Map of Bristly locust

Bristly locust originates from the southeastern region of North America. It has been introduced to and has naturalized in parts of Eurasia and East Asia. This plant thrives in temperate zones and has been widely cultivated beyond its native range for ornamental purposes. Bristly locust's ability to adapt to various climates has facilitated its spread across these major regions.
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
close
close
Your Ultimate Guide to Plants
Identify grow and nurture the better way!
product icon
17,000 local species +400,000 global species studied
product icon
Nearly 5 years of research
product icon
80+ scholars in botany and gardening
ad
ad
Botanist in your pocket
qrcode
PictureThis Ios DownloadPictureThis Android Download
Scan the QR code with your phone camera to download the app