1. Native / Non-native Status
Non-native. Native to the southeastern United States; introduced to Britain in the 17th century as an ornamental and timber tree. Now naturalised in some areas but not considered truly native.
2. Evergreen / Deciduous
Deciduous – leaves fall in autumn.
3. Appearance
Leaves: Pinnate (feather-like), with 7–19 oval leaflets, each 2–5 cm long, smooth-edged and dull green. Leaves fold at night or in drought. Arranged alternately on twigs.
Bark: Deeply furrowed, dark grey-brown, and rough, often with rope-like ridges. Twigs often bear sharp paired spines at the base of leaves.
Flowers/Fruit/Seeds: Long, pendulous clusters of fragrant, pea-like white flowers in late spring to early summer. These develop into flat, brown seed pods, 5–10 cm long, which persist into winter.
Overall shape: A medium to large tree with a broad, irregular crown and often crooked, leaning trunk.
4. Typical Size
12–17 m tall; crown spread 10–15 m.
5. Habitat & Range
Widely planted across the UK in parks, streets, and gardens. Tolerant of poor soils, drought, and pollution. Sometimes escapes into rough ground, railway edges, and wasteland.
6. Distinctive Features (ID tips)
Pinnate leaves with many smooth oval leaflets.
Paired spines at the base of each leaf stalk.
Strongly scented clusters of white pea-flowers.
Dark, deeply furrowed bark.
7. Seasonal Changes
Spring: New leaves emerge, flowers appear in May–June.
Summer: Dense green foliage and hanging flower clusters.
Autumn: Leaves turn yellow before falling; pods ripen.
Winter: Bare branches with spiny twigs and persistent pods.
8. Human Uses
Timber is very durable, hard, and rot-resistant; used for posts, fencing, flooring, and outdoor structures.
Flowers are edible and used in fritters, salads, and flavouring.
Widely planted as an ornamental tree.
Roots fix nitrogen, improving poor soils.
9. Wildlife Value
Flowers provide abundant nectar and are excellent for bees (important honey plant).
Seeds eaten by some birds and mammals.
Provides cover and nesting sites, though less wildlife value compared to native broadleaves.
10. Fun Fact / Cultural Note
Despite its common name, it is not a true acacia. The name “false acacia” was given because of the similarity of its leaves and flowers to acacias.
It spreads readily by suckers and can become invasive in parts of Europe.
11. Planting & Care (Basic Instructions)
Best time to plant: Late autumn or early spring.
Soil: Thrives in poor, sandy, or gravelly soils; tolerates clay; prefers well-drained conditions.
Light: Requires full sun for best growth and flowering.
Watering: Water regularly until established; very drought-tolerant afterwards.
Spacing: Allow 8–10 m between trees.
Aftercare: Mulch around base to retain moisture. Stake young trees if exposed. Prune lightly in winter; avoid heavy pruning as it resprouts vigorously.
12. Good for Urban or Garden Setting?
Urban: Tolerant of pollution and poor soils, making it useful for city planting, though brittle branches can be a hazard in storms.
Garden: Attractive for large gardens due to flowers and shade, but suckering habit and thorns can make it troublesome in small gardens.