What soil does Globe locust grow in?

It tolerates these soils: average garden soil, sandy, calcareous, clay.

Is Globe locust hardy?

Hardy down to -29 °C (USDA zone 4, RHS H7). It gets through winter in every part of the country.

How far from the house should Globe locust be planted?

Plant it at least 3 m from buildings. Keep it at least 2.5 m from paving.

How much water does Globe locust need?

Water need: low. Drought tolerance: high.

Globe locust

Robinia pseudoacacia 'Umbraculifera'

Globe locust (Robinia pseudoacacia 'Umbraculifera') is a small tree. Light: full sun. Hardy down to -29 °C. Drought tolerance: high. Toxic to dogs, cats and children. Sold in local shops from about €220.

Illustration of Globe locust — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

A locust grafted on a tall stem with a dense, regular ball crown; it does not flower or set seed and its branches are thornless. It copes well with heat, drought and city air, so it makes an easy focal tree for a small garden, a gate or a terrace. Cut the crown back in late winter every few years or it flattens and spreads with age, and remove any shoots from the rootstock at the base.

Watch out for

The wood is brittle: in strong wind, storms or wet snow the dense crown can split, so plant it in a sheltered spot and thin or cut it back regularly. The rootstock (common black locust) can send up thorny suckers around the trunk and further away after root damage, and these need removing every time. In Central Europe locust leaf miners can leave the foliage blotched and brown by late summer, though they do not threaten the tree.

Considered invasive in a neighbouring country

It isn't listed here, but don't plant it near natural habitats, woodland or water, and don't leave the clippings outside the garden.

Key facts

Light: Full sun
Water need: Low
Care: Medium
Size after 10 years: 4 m × 3 m
Hardiness: down to -29 °C
Foliage: Deciduous

Group	Small tree
Light	Full sun
Size after 10 years	4 m × 3 m
Ultimate size	4–6 m × 3–6 m
Hardiness	down to -29 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil, Sandy, Calcareous, Clay
Foliage	Deciduous
Flowering	no data
Water need	Low
Drought tolerance	High
Maintenance	Medium
Root aggressiveness	Medium
Suckering	yes
Spreading	Medium
Distance from buildings	at least 3 m
Distance from paving	at least 2.5 m
Litter	not typical
Planting distance	400 cm
For dogs	Toxic
For cats	Toxic
For children	Toxic
Typical price	from about €220

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Sizes and prices available

The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.

Size	Typical price
size not stated	approx. €220

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 12, 2026 · How our data is made

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