Twisty Baby Black Locust Tree

Robinia pseudoacacia 'Lace Lady'

Nature Hills Nursery

Twisted Branches Create Year-Round Architectural Interest in Compact Spaces
Cold Hardy: Thrives in Zones 4-8
Grows 12-18 ft Tall, 12-15 ft Wide
Drought Tolerant, Pollution Tolerant, Salt Tolerant
Showy White Blooms From Early Spring to Late Spring

$122⁷¹

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Find your Growing Zone

Plant Size

Product variants

Delivery and Shipping

Preorder Shipping Schedule

We ship your plants when it's safe to transport them to your zone. Dates are estimated and subject to weather delays.

Zone 3-4	Week of March 30th
Zone 5	Week of March 16th
Zone 6-12	Week of March 2nd

Shipping Rates

Ships in 7-10 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

Understanding Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

This spring-blooming Twisty Baby™ dwarf Black Locust (Robinia pseudoacacia 'Lace Lady') is an entertaining tree to have in your landscape! This is because its branches don't grow normally. They twist! Not only do the branches have a contorted look, but there is some curling of the mature leaflets which gives it its unique look! Immediately noticeable, even from a distance!

Its twisting, zig-zag branches are decorated with gorgeous, fragrant white flowers that bloom in the spring. Twisty Baby™ features fine-textured foliage that emerges soon after the blooming blossoms! Pollinators flock to these dripping Wisteria-like blossoms!

This tree's foliage is interesting though. Newly emerging foliage is apple green and when it matures it turns bluish-green. When the winter season comes around the Twisty Baby™ Black Locust tree's branches will have your neighbors in a trance! Hardy throughout USDA growing zones 4 to 8, Locust Trees are incredibly adaptable and resilient.

Planting and Application:

This Twisty Baby™ makes for a beautiful specimen tree or a fun focal point in any garden! This twisting tree also looks great planted near a porch, patio, or deck not only to enjoy the beautiful, fragrant white blossoms but to watch the hummingbirds gather around it!

Plant near your front porch for a curb appeal boost, raise onto a prominent front yard berm, or anchor your home's foundation planting to soften the corner! A perfect lawn specimen tree, this smaller ornamental works beautifully for any sized yard, especially small-scale properties!

Dwarf Ornamental Contorted Flowering Tree
Attracts Hummingbirds & Other Pollinators
Lovely White Fragrant Flowers
Twisting Branches & Blue-Green Foliage
Twisting Zig-Zag Branches
Unique Specimen & Focal Point Trees!

#ProPlantTips for Care:

This ornamental dwarf form of the hardy native Black Locust tree is very easy to grow. Just pick a sunny spot that does not stay soggy and it will thrive! You don't even need to give it a lot of fertilizer. This tree can take in nitrogen right from the air! Regular watering weekly will promote optimal growth! Top the root system with a 3-4 inch deep layer of arborist mulch. The only pruning that this twisting tree will need is removing large straight spurts of growth. Pruning these will encourage twisting growth and help encourage a balanced shape.

Full Sun Deciduous Trees
Highly Adaptable to Any Well-Drained Soil
Moderate to Low Moisture Needs Once Established
Prune After Flowering
Appreciates Mulched Beds

There's no way you can resist this hypnotic tree! When you plant the contorted Twisty Baby™ dwarf Black Locust tree, your garden will thank you! You don't have to wait! Get yours now at Nature Hills!

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Growing Zones 4-8

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Frequently Asked Questions

What USDA hardiness zones is the Twisty Baby Black Locust suitable for?

The Twisty Baby Black Locust is hardy in USDA zones 4 to 8. This adaptable tree thrives in a wide range of climates, from cold northern regions to warmer southern areas. Plant it in full sun with well-draining soil for best results.

How tall and wide does the Twisty Baby Black Locust grow at maturity?

The Twisty Baby Black Locust reaches 8-10 feet tall and wide at maturity, making it perfect for smaller yards. This dwarf ornamental maintains its compact size while delivering full impact with twisted branches and fragrant spring blooms. Shop at Nature Hills for this unique specimen tree.

What are the basic care requirements for growing Twisty Baby Black Locust?

Twisty Baby Black Locust thrives in USDA zones 4-8 with minimal care requirements. Simply plant in full sun with well-draining soil that doesn't stay waterlogged. This hardy native ornamental is very drought tolerant once established, making it perfect for low-maintenance landscapes.

Does Twisty Baby Black Locust tolerate dry or poor soil conditions?

Black Locust trees are incredibly adaptable and resilient, thriving in poor soils where other trees struggle. The Twisty Baby tolerates drought and various soil conditions once established in zones 4-8. Just ensure good drainage and full sun for best performance.

How much sun exposure does Twisty Baby Black Locust need?

Twisty Baby Black Locust thrives in full sun exposure. This hardy tree adapts well to various conditions in zones 4-8 but performs best with plenty of direct sunlight. Simply choose a sunny location that doesn't stay waterlogged and it will flourish. Shop at Nature Hills for this unique specimen tree.

When and how should I prune my Twisty Baby Black Locust tree?

Prune Twisty Baby Black Locust in late winter while dormant to avoid disrupting spring blooms. Light pruning works best since the twisted, contorted growth is the tree's main feature. Remove only dead, damaged, or crossing branches to maintain its natural zig-zag shape.

Will Twisty Baby Black Locust produce flowers and seed pods?

Twisty Baby Black Locust produces fragrant white flowers in spring that attract hummingbirds and pollinators. The flowers bloom before the foliage emerges and hang in clusters similar to wisteria. Seed pods typically follow the flowers on mature trees. Plant in full sun for best flowering performance.

Is Twisty Baby Black Locust deer resistant or tolerant of urban pollution?

Black Locust trees are naturally deer resistant and highly tolerant of urban pollution, making Twisty Baby an excellent choice for city gardens. As a hardy native species thriving in zones 4-8, it handles challenging conditions with ease. Plant in sunny spots for best performance.

How do I plant a Twisty Baby Black Locust upon arrival?

Plant your Twisty Baby Black Locust in a sunny location with well-draining soil that doesn't stay soggy. This hardy tree thrives in USDA zones 4-8 and is very adaptable. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and plant at the same depth it was growing in the container.

What shipping options are available for Twisty Baby Black Locust trees?

Nature Hills ships Twisty Baby Black Locust trees via ground shipping during appropriate planting seasons for zones 4-8. Spring and fall are typically the best shipping windows to ensure successful establishment. Check your local frost dates and choose shipping timing that allows planting when temperatures are moderate.