Southeastern U.S. in two disjunct areas. One area is centered in the Appalachian Mountains; the second area is located in Arkansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma.
A medium sized deciduous, broadleaf tree, typically 12-18 m (40-60 ft) in height and 30-76 cm (12-30 in) in diameter. Leaves are alternately arranged and pinnately compound with 7-19 ovoid leaflets. Pairs of sharp, stout spines grow at the leaf bases. Flowers appear in the spring and are white, fragrant, and often pollinated by insects, especially bees. Fruits are flattened, oblong, brown pods that open on the tree. Robinia spreads readily by root suckers, but can also reproduce by seed.