Quick answer: Bristly locust (Robinia hispida) is native to 10 states. What's commonly sold under this name is the true wild species. No live listing of the true species was found as of 16 Sep 2026.
Photo: I.Sáček, senior, Wikimedia Commons (CC0)
Where it's native
Listed in the directory as native to these states. Click a state for its full native-plant guide.
Growing conditions
From the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Native Plant Database.
| Sun | Sun |
|---|---|
| Water | Not recorded in the wildflower.org profile |
| Soil | Sandy or thin soils |
| Bloom | Bloom Apr-Jul |
| Height | Up to 10 ft tall |
| Wildlife value | Special value to native and honey bees |
Buying it
No live listing of the true wild species was found as of 16 Sep 2026 — that means our last search didn't surface one, not that the plant is unavailable.
No live seed or plant listing found as of 16 Sep 2026. That means our last search didn't surface one — not that the plant is unavailable. Try a regional native-plant nursery.
Quick answers about Bristly locust
Where is Bristly locust native?
Bristly locust (Robinia hispida) is native to 10 states across the Northeast and South. Check your state's page in this directory for the full list of plants native where you live.
When does Bristly locust bloom?
Bristly locust blooms Apr-Jul. Exact timing shifts a few weeks with latitude and elevation.
What growing conditions does Bristly locust need?
Light: Sun. Soil: Sandy or thin soils. Mature height: Up to 10 ft tall.
Is Bristly locust good for pollinators and wildlife?
Yes. Wildlife value: Special value to native and honey bees.
Where can I buy Bristly locust?
We haven't found an online listing of the true wild species as of 16 Sep 2026. A regional native-plant nursery or native seed company is your best source; ask for Robinia hispida by its scientific name.
Similar native plants
Native plants that share growing conditions or range with Bristly locust.
- Narrowleaf evening-primrose Oenothera fruticosa
- Threadleaf coreopsis Coreopsis verticillata
- Eastern smooth beardtongue Penstemon laevigatus
- New York ironweed Vernonia noveboracensis
- Coastal sweetpepperbush Clethra alnifolia
- Eastern gray beardtongue Penstemon canescens
Also listed under
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