Plants

Robinia pseudoacacia

[Black Locust]

Widely variable in form, the most picturesque are straight-trunked with branches abruptly fanning out at the top. Fixes N2. Locust borers are troublesome and difficult to control, but many trees live with them successfully for many years. Leaf minors and permanently wet soils can be problems.

Robinia pseudoacacia 'Purple Robe'

[Purple Robe Locust]

This cultivar is note worthy due to is deep pink-violet flowers that have a strong sweet smelling fragrance. It is advertised to be relatively thornless.

Senna hebecarpa [sold as Wild Senna]

[Wild Senna]

Sophora japonica 'Regent'

[Regent Japanese Pagoda Tree]

'Regent' is a cultivar with a fast growth rate, more mass to its oval-round crown, and has deep green glossy leaves. although, It can take up several years before it flowers for the first time.

Styphnolobium japonicum

[Japanese Pagodatree]

A widely adapted tree with good drought and pollution tolerance, and foliage texture comparable to Gleditsia, but a smaller tree and with more seasonal interest. Relatively trouble-free except for fungi that live in weaker twigs that cause twig blight and canker. Fungi invade most readily those twigs killed by cold or self-pruning. Seeds are poisonous. Difficult to train a central leader. More cold sensitive when young.

Thermopsis caroliniana [sold as Carolina Lupine]

[Carolina Lupine]

Wisteria floribunda

[Japanese Wisteria]

Use plants propagated vegetatively from heavy-flowering clones, as much variation exists in flowering. Some find it difficult to induce flowering. Too much nitrogen may promote more vegetative than flower bud formation. Can damage light-weight supporting structures, as vine can develop several inches in diameter.

Wisteria frutescens 'Amethyst Falls'

[Amethyst Falls Wisteria]

Slower growth, more compact habit, and slightly smaller foliage than the species

Wisteria macrostachya 'Betty Matthews' [sold as Summer Cascade™]

[Summer Cascade Wisteria]

Wisteria sinensis

[Chinese Wisteria]

Tolerant of widely different conditions once established, but this plant does not like being transplanted and establishment is sometimes slow. Once established, though, can even become invasive. Can be pruned as a standard, or pruned nearly to the ground to rejuvenate. Prune after flowering to 6" of main branch, and if pruned later, avoid removing the fatter flower buds that develop later. Needs a strong support structure. Use plants propagated vegetatively from heavy-flowering clones, as…