World Plants

Robinia pseudoacacia (Black Locust)

Good for parks and areas with poor soil, but not recommended for home landscape use because the tree drops a lot of twig litter and has weak wood.

Family	Fabaceae
Genus	Robinia
Species	pseudoacacia
Category	Woody
Type	Tree (deciduous)
Origin	Native to North America and introduced to Europe in 1636.
Pronunciation

General Description	The Black Locust is a large strong wooded but weak twigged tree with small leaves, thorns and white flowers.
ID Characteristic	Small stubby thorns on stem and limbs, compound leaves, papery seed pods, aromatic flowers, very strong durable wood, can be an invasive species. Every part of the tree is said to be toxic but the flowers.
Shape	Upright form.
Landscape	Good shade in summer while allowing sun in winters. Suited as a windbreak, naturalization, or mass planting in marginal areas. Tolerant of heavy soils and pollution.
Propagation	Seeds need to be soaked in hot water or acid to enhance germination.
Cultivation	Full sun in harsh environments (poor soil, pollution, weather, compaction).
Pests	Canker, leaf spots, wood decay, witches broom, locust borer.
Notable Specimens	Main St. Bayfield, Ontario, Canada.
Habitat	Woods and fields of North America, Europe and Asia.
Bark/Stem Description	Red-brown almost black bark.
Flower/Leaf Bud Description	Round buds close together, approximately 10 mm in length.
Leaf Description	Large compound leaves 15-30 cm long with 9 - 12 narrow oval leaflets.
Flower Description	Aromatic nectar bearing cream white flowers in the spring 2.5 cm long borne in attractive, pendulous clusters to 30 cm in length.
Fruit Description	7.5-10 cm long, thin and flat brown-black pods that ripen in autumn and hang on the tree until spring.
Colour Description	Dull dark blue-green leaves, yellow green in autumn.
Texture Description	Fine textured leaves.