Black Locust Tree Named 'OBE153'

[0001] The present application claims priority to U.S. Application No. 63/709,692, as filed on Oct. 21, 2024, the entire contents of which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

[0002] Genus and species:

[0003] Robinia pseudoacacia.

[0004] Variety denomination:

[0005] ‘OBE153’.

[0006] The present invention comprises a new and distinct variety of black locust tree, botanically known as Robinia pseudoacacia and hereinafter referred to by the variety name ‘OBE153’. ‘OBE153’ was selected from experimental Black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia) plantation established on the Great Hungarian Plain near town Nagykőrös, in 2020.

[0007] ‘OBE153’ was asexually reproduced in 2020 by vegetative cuttings from budwood.

[0008] The following are the most outstanding and distinguishing characteristics of this new variety when grown under normal horticultural practices near Nagykörös, Hungary.

• • [0009] 1. Elliptic leaves with an obtuse apex;
  • [0010] 2. Bodkin like thorns;
  • [0011] 3. Straight, pinnate growth habit; and
  • [0012] 4. Blooms profusely and is a useful bee pasture, well-liked by beekeepers.

[0017] The following detailed descriptions set forth the distinctive characteristics of ‘OBE153’. The data which define these characteristics was collected near Nagykörös, Hungary. Color references are to The R.H.S. Colour Chart of The Royal Horticultural Society of London (R.H.S.), 6th edition (2016).

• [0018] Classification:
  • • [0019] Family.—Fabaceae.
    • [0020] Botanical.—Robinia pseudoacacia.
    • [0021] Common name.—Black locust.
    • [0022] Variety name.—‘OBE153’.
• [0023] Parentage:
  • • [0024] Female parent.—Unnamed Experimental black locust.
    • [0025] Male parent.—Unknown.
• [0026] General description:
  • • [0027] Plant habit.—Deciduous tree with straight, upright growth habit.
    • [0028] At the age of three, it is a small tree with a diameter of 3.0 to 7.0 cm and a height of 5.0 to 8.0 m.
    • [0029] Bark color (mature stems).—Predominately Greyed-Brown Group 199B; ridges and older, shaded fissures approach Greyed-Brown Group 199A to Black Group 202A; freshly exfoliated/abraded areas show warm tones near Greyed-Orange Group 165B-165C.
    • [0030] USDA hardiness zone.—Zone 4.
    • [0031] Thorns.—Bodkin like.
    • [0032] Diseases and pest resistance.—Resistant to Locust borer (Megacyllene robiniae), Locust leaf miner (Odontota dorsalis).
• [0033] Foliage description:
  • • [0034] Color.—Medium green.
    • [0035] Variegation.—Absent.
    • [0036] Leaf shape.—Middle section of leaf: Elliptic Apex: Obtuse
• [0037] Flowers description:
  • • [0038] Conspicuousness.—Medium.
    • [0039] Type.—Single.
    • [0040] Color.—White.
• [0041] Fruit.—Absent.