New Mexico Locust

(Robinia neomexicana)

New Mexico Locust (Robinia neomexicana)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Robinia neomexicana, commonly known as New Mexico Locust, is a deciduous shrub or small tree native to the Southwestern United States and Mexico, particularly found in mountainous regions, canyons, and alongside streams within pine and mixed conifer forests. It typically grows to 5–10 meters tall, though it can occasionally reach up to 15 meters, with a spread that is often equal to its height. The New Mexico Locust has bristly shoots and compound leaves that contribute to its rugged appearance.

The plant is notable for its showy, fragrant flowers that are white or pink, blooming in spring or early summer. The blooms form in dense racemes 5–10 cm long that dangle elegantly from the branches. Following flowering, it produces brown, bean-like seed pods that are also bristly. The New Mexico Locust is valued for its ornamental flowers and ability to fix nitrogen in the soil, enhancing fertility. It is used for reclamation projects, naturalistic plantings, and as a feature in xeriscapes due to its drought tolerance. This species prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade and is adaptable to a range of soil types, from well-drained to clay, provided they are not waterlogged. While generally low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to locust borer and leaf miner infestations. Additionally, it may spread aggressively by suckers if not managed, which should be considered when planting in garden settings.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Tree, Shrub
  • Height: 10-20 feet
  • Width: 10-15 feet
  • Growth Rate: Rapid
  • Flower Color: Pink
  • Flowering Season: Spring
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Fast, Medium

Common Uses

Bank Stabilization, Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Drought Tolerant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Erosion Control, Fire Resistant, Fragrant, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Showy Flowers

Natural Habitat

native to the Southwestern United States and Mexico, particularly found in mountainous regions, canyons, and alongside streams within pine and mixed conifer forests

Other Names

Common Names: Desert Locust, Southwestern Locust, New Mexico Honey Locust, Rose Locust, Rusby’s Locust, Robinier Du Nouveau-Mexique, Robiniya Novomeksikanskaya, Uña De Gato, Robinia

Scientific Names: , Robinia neomexicana,

GBIF Accepted Name: Robinia neomexicana A.Gray