​Tree or Plant Type: Shrub
        Foliage: Deciduous (seasonally loses leaves)
        Native Locale: Non-native
        Landscape Uses: Hedge, Massing, Screen, Windbreak
        Size Range: Large shrub (more than 8 feet)
Mature Height: 6 to 10 feet high
Mature Width: 10 to 15 feet wide
        Light Exposure: Full sun (6 hrs direct light daily), Partial sun/shade (4-6 hrs light daily)
        Hardiness Zones: Zone 5 (Chicago), Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8
        Soil Preference: Alkaline soil, Dry soil, Moist, well-drained soil, Sandy soil
        Acid Soils: Tolerant
        Alkaline Soils: Tolerant
        Salt Spray: Tolerant
        Soil Salt: Tolerant
        Drought Conditions: Tolerant
        Poor Drainage: Intolerant
        Planting Considerations: Dangerous thorns, Excessive sucker growth, May be difficult to find in nurseries
        Ornamental Interest: Spring blossoms, Persistent fruit/seeds, Showy flowers, Attractive bark
        Season of Interest: Late spring, Early summer, Mid summer, Late summer
        Flower Color & Fragrance: Purple
        Shape or Form: Irregular, Multi-stemmed, Round, Thicket-forming, Upright
        Growth Rate: Fast
More Information:
Tree & Plant Care
A large, suckering shrub up to  8 feet high with a spreading fan-shaped crown. Spreads by suckers creating thickets.
Best planted in full to part sun in all soils, including those that contain clay or sand. 
Prune regularly to keep in bounds.
Bristly locust has appeared on some invasive lists.