Black Locust
Robinia pseudoacacia 
A small- to medium-sized tree of the legume family. It is found in a variety of locations and can be used for erosion control on severe sites. The wood is durable and has been used for fence posts. Because of its fast growth and high BTU value, black locust is popular in fuelwood plantings. It has short paired spines on the twigs. Height 60 ft, spread 45 ft
Identifying Characteristics
- Leaves
- alternate, compound, 9-19 leaflets; each leaflet 1" - 2" long, egg-shaped, smooth edged, bluish-green
- Flowers
- white, showy, fragrant, in long hanging clusters
- Fruit
- thin, flat pod, 2" - 4" long with 4-8 seeds
- Bark
- brown with yellow or orange inner bark; thick and furrowed when mature
- Associated species
- eastern redcedar, scarlet oak, black oak, hickory
- Ideal site conditions
- wide range, full sun
- Value to man
- landscaping, windbreaks, erosion, wood products
- Value to wildlife
- food
- Growth Rate
- fast
- Range
