Black Locust

(Robinia pseudoacacia)

Black Locust (Robinia pseudoacacia)

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Robinia pseudoacacia Native Range
Native Range
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Climate Requirements

• Precipitation 39" - 46"
• High Temp. 72°F - 89°F
• Low Temp. 20°F - 36°F

Summary

Robinia pseudoacacia, commonly known as Black Locust, is a deciduous tree native to the Appalachian Mountain range and Ozark Plateau, with its range extending to the Southeastern, Central, and Northeastern U.S. It typically grows to a height of 50 feet and a width of 20-35 feet. Black Locust is characterized by its deeply furrowed bark, thorny branches, and compound leaves. It produces showy clusters of fragrant white flowers in late spring, which are attractive to bees. The tree is also known for its hard, rot-resistant wood and its ability to fix nitrogen in the soil.

Black Locust is valued for its rapid growth and adaptability to a range of conditions, including poor soils. It is commonly used for erosion control, reforestation, and as an ornamental tree in urban and rural landscapes. However, it is invasive across other parts of North America, Europe, South Africa, and Australia, colonizing grasslands and altering soil chemistry.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Tree
  • Height: 30-50 feet
  • Width: 20-35 feet
  • Growth Rate: Rapid
  • Flower Color: White
  • Flowering Season: Spring
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun
  • Drainage: Fast, Medium

Common Uses

Bank Stabilization, Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Erosion Control, Fire Resistant, Fragrant, Hummingbird Garden, Salt Tolerant, Showy Flowers

Natural Habitat

Appalachian Mountain range and Ozark Plateau

Other Names

Common Names: False Acacia, Yellow Locust, Locust Tree, Witakasia, Robínia, Falsa Acàcia, Robinie, Gewöhnliche Robinie, Robinia, Falsa Acacia

Scientific Names: Robinia pseudoacacia, Robinia pseudacacia, Robinia umbraculifera, Robinia acacia, Robinia pseudoacacia f. inermis, Robinia pseudoacacia var. umbraculifera, Robinia edwardsiifolia, Robinia pringlei, Robinia pseudoacacia var. tortuosa, Robinia pseudoacacia var. semperflorens

GBIF Accepted Name: Robinia pseudoacacia L.