Sorbonne in Paris in Département de Paris, Île-de-France, France — Western Europe
Robinier faux-acacia (Robinia pseudoacacia L.)
Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, April 8, 2025
1. Robinier faux-acacia Marker
Originaire des États-Unis, le Robinier faux-acacia appartient à la famille des Fabacées. Introduit et planté en 1601 par Jean Robin, auquel il doit son nom, cet arbre est le plus vieux de Paris. L'arbre originel, âgé de plus de 400 ans, est devenu plusieurs arbres soudés au sein d'un tronc vestige et dont les racines aériennes se développent à l'intérieur du tronc d'origine. Les jeunes arbres issus de sa souche et de ses racines ont été conservés afin d'assurer son avenir.
Square René Viviani (5°)
Hauteur: 10 m | Circumfrence: 365 cm | Plantation: 1601
(English translation:)
This tree is listed as remarkable for its historical significance.
Native to the United States, the Black Locust (Robinia pseudoacacia) belongs to the Fabaceae family. Introduced and planted in 1601 by Jean Robin, after whom it is named, this tree is the oldest in Paris. The original tree, over 400 years old, has become several trees fused within a single remaining trunk, with aerial roots growing inside
this page online
Square René Viviani (5 arr.)
Height: 10 m | Circumfrence: 365 cm | Planted: 1601
Erected by Ville de Paris.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Horticulture & Forestry • Parks & Recreational Areas. In addition, it is included in the Historic Trees series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1601.
Location. 48° 51.133′ N, 2° 20.841′ E. Marker is in Paris, Île-de-France, in Département de Paris. It is in Sorbonne. It can be reached from Rue du Fouarre. The tree and marker are to be found in Square Rene Viviani, towards the back. They are not visible from the street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Paris, Île-de-France 75005, France. Touch for directions.
Regionally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, Europe, the European Union, Atlantic Europe, the Schengen Area, Western Europe, a coastal Mediterranean country, and the Western World. Historically, it finds itself in what was once a French colony and also the Roman Empire.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Square René-Viviani Jewish Children’s Memorial (a few steps from this marker); Eglise Saint-Julien-le-Pauvre (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Eglise Saint-Julien-le-Pauvre (within shouting distance of this marker); Square René Viviani (1928) (within shouting distance of this marker); Hôtel de Laffemas (within
Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, April 8, 2025
2. Robinier faux-acacia Marker - wide view
The marker is visible here between the surrounding wire outer fencing and inner iron railing, a bit to the left of the tree.
Also see . . . Oldest Tree in Paris (Atlas Obscura). Excerpt:
Something surprising about the oldest tree in the French capital is that it's not actually French. It was brought from Appalachia by the Parisian botanist Jean Robin, who found that many North American plants were suited to the temperate French climate. The entire genus of locust trees was later named for Robin, giving the Parisian tree the scientific name Robinia pseudoacacia. (The “pseudo” comes from the fact that while similar to acacias, the robinia is not closely related.)(Submitted on November 17, 2025.)
Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, April 8, 2025
3. Robinier faux-acacia - Paris’ oldest tree
Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, April 8, 2025
4. Robinier faux-acacia - close-up of trunk
Credits. This page was last revised on November 17, 2025. It was originally submitted on November 17, 2025, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 74 times since then and 34 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on November 17, 2025, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California.
