Black Locust
Robinia pseudoacacia
| Common Name: | Black locust |
| Scientific Name: | Robinia pseudoacacia |
| Family: | Fabaceae |
| Growth Form: | Tree |
| Native Range: | The southern Appalachian region of the United States |
| Invasive Range: | Temperate habitats throughout the world |
| Introduction: | Black locust seeds are spread by birds, as well as through the nursery trade. |
| Description: | ·Leaves: Blue-green compound leaves with 16-20 smooth, oblong leaflets. Thorns of up to 2.2 cm (1 inch) flank the leaf scars.
·Twigs: Smooth, with 3 bundle scars and false end bud. Appear to zigzag. ·Bark: Dark in color, deep anastamosing ridges. ·Flowers: Pendulous, fragrant white flowers appear in clusters from May to June. ·Fruit: Flat, brown seed pod, 5-13 cm (2-6 inches) in length. |
| Threats: | The black locust is useful in stopping erosion and as a primary colonizer after natural disasters. But, it can spread from the roots, forming pure stands that out-compete native vegetation. |
| Fun Facts: | Black locust trees produce hard, durable, rot-resistant wood and are often planted as fence posts. |
Whole Tree
Leaf
Leaf Glands
Bark
