New mexico locust (Robinia neomexicana, Mem. Amer. Acad. Arts ser. 2, 5:314. 1854 (Pl. nov. thurb.))

Family: Fabaceae

Author: A.Gray

Bibliography: Mem. Amer. Acad. Arts ser. 2, 5:314. 1854 (Pl. nov. thurb.)

Year: 1855

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Robinia

Vegetable: False

Observations: WC. & SC. U.S.A. to N. Mexico

Description

The New Mexico locust, known scientifically as Robinia neomexicana, holds a neoteric charm among the diverse flora of North America. First described by the esteemed botanist A.Gray in 1854, this plant was documented in the proceedings of the American Academy of Arts, highlighting its unique characteristics that distinguish it from its relatives within the Fabaceae family.

Primarily found across the western and south-central regions of the United States, extending its reach to New Mexico, the New Mexico locust is a resilient, picturesque shrub or small tree. Renowned for its impressive adaptability, this plant thrives in various climates and altitudes, proudly adorning the landscapes with its vibrant presence.

During its blooming season, the New Mexico locust is decorated with clusters of bright pink to rose-colored flowers, which not only add a splash of color to the environment but also attract a myriad of pollinators, including bees, which play a crucial role in the ecosystem. These eye-catching flowers give way to leguminous seed pods, typical of the pea family, ensuring the continuation of its lineage through efficient seed dispersal mechanisms.

The foliage of this plant is equally intriguing, with pinnately compound leaves that provide a delicate, airy appearance, making it a favored choice for both natural habitats and cultivated garden spaces. Each leaflets’ soft texture underlines its aesthetic appeal, perfectly complementing the plant’s rugged stems and branches that often bear sharp spines.

Ecologically, the New Mexico locust contributes significantly to soil conservation and habitat formation. Its deep root system aids in stabilizing soil, preventing erosion in its native hilly terrains, while offering shelter and nourishment to various wildlife species. As a member of the Fabaceae family, it also plays a pivotal role in nitrogen fixation, enriching the soil, and promoting the growth of surrounding vegetation.

In summary, the New Mexico locust, Robinia neomexicana, is a testament to nature’s ability to adapt and flourish. From its striking floral displays to its ecological contributions, it remains an integral part of the American landscape, admired not just for its beauty but also for its role in supporting and sustaining the environment.

Common Names

Eng: new mexico locust
Lav: grezn
Fra: robinier du nouveau-mexique
En: New Mexico locust
Fr: Robinier du Nouveau-Mexique
Lv: Grezn
: New mexico locust

Synonyms

Distribution

• Arizona (native)
• Colorado (native)
• Mexico Northeast (native)
• Mexico Northwest (native)
• New Mexico (native)
• Texas (native)
• Utah (native)
• Wyoming (native)
• Baltic States (introduced)
• Central European Rus (introduced)
• Kazakhstan (introduced)
• North Caucasus (introduced)
• Primorye (introduced)
• South European Russi (introduced)
• Transcaucasus (introduced)
• Turkmenistan (introduced)
• Ukraine (introduced)
• Uzbekistan (introduced)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Dec 5, 2021 by Maarten Vanhove (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Dec 5, 2021 by Maarten Vanhove (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Dec 5, 2021 by Maarten Vanhove (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 5, 2021 by Maarten Vanhove (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Jun 2, 2020 by Steve Bacon (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 24, 2018 by François COUTURIER (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 24, 2018 by François COUTURIER (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 31, 2021 by Татьяна Зубкова (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 4, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Florent Beck (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Habit

Taken May 4, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Florent Beck (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5352212)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:517728-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Robinia neomexicana A.Gray)

Specifications

Growth form>: Multiple Stem

Growth habit>: Tree, Shrub

Growth rate>: Rapid

Growth

Ph maximum: 8.5

Ph minimum: 7.0