How much sun does False acacia need?

False acacia grows best in full sun conditions.

When does False acacia bloom?

False acacia blooms in May and June.

Where is False acacia native?

False acacia (Robinia pseudoacacia) is native to AL, AR, AZ, FL and 26 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

Is False acacia toxic to dogs?

Yes. False acacia is listed as toxic to dogs by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (aspca.org). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.

Is False acacia toxic to cats?

Yes. False acacia is listed as toxic to cats by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (aspca.org). If your cat has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.

What butterflies or moths does False acacia host?

False acacia is a larval host plant for silver-spotted skipper.

False acacia

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Robinia pseudoacacia

Last reviewed: October 2026

False acacia (Robinia pseudoacacia) is a perennial tree native to AL, AR, AZ, FL and 26 more states. It blooms in May and June. The flowers draw bees.

False acacia is toxic to dogs and cats.

Listed as toxic by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) (last reviewed 2026-08-15). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 and your veterinarian's emergency line.

Pollinator Patch flags toxic plants so you can choose a pet-safe native alternative for your yard.

Native swaps for a yard with pets

False acacia is listed as toxic to dogs by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. These natives fill a similar role in a planting and are not on the ASPCA toxic plant list for dogs or cats. Each plant's page carries its dated record.

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

360"–600" H × 240"–360" W

Bloom

May, Jun

Native to

AL, AR, AZ, FL and 26 more states

Pollinators

bees

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A fast-growing deciduous tree with thorny young branches and compound leaves, producing long, fragrant clusters of white pea-like flowers in late spring. It suckers readily from the roots and can colonize an area if not managed, giving it a less-groomed appearance over time.

Growing False acacia

Grow False acacia in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 360 to 600 inches tall and spread 240 to 360 inches wide.

Wildlife value

Host plant for silver-spotted skipper.

The fragrant spring flowers are one of the best honey-bee nectar sources of any native tree, and the foliage is the primary host plant for silver-spotted skipper caterpillars.

Common questions

How much sun does False acacia need?: False acacia grows best in full sun conditions.
When does False acacia bloom?: False acacia blooms in May and June.
Where is False acacia native?: False acacia (Robinia pseudoacacia) is native to AL, AR, AZ, FL and 26 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
Is False acacia toxic to dogs?: Yes. False acacia is listed as toxic to dogs by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (aspca.org). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
Is False acacia toxic to cats?: Yes. False acacia is listed as toxic to cats by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (aspca.org). If your cat has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
What butterflies or moths does False acacia host?: False acacia is a larval host plant for silver-spotted skipper.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

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