Genus species: Robinia pseudoacacia Family: Fabaceae Common Name: Black Locust

Size: 30 - 50’ tall, 20 - 35’ wide Shape: Upright narrow crown Growth Rate: fast Type: deciduous

Foliage: Leaves are dark blue green, pinnately compound with 7 - 23 leaflets

Flowers: Spring and early summer blooms, fragrant whete hanging clusters of pea-like flowers

Features: The Bark is grey or light brown, thick, fibrous, heavily ridged or furrowed. The flower clusters are beautiful and fragrant,

and loved by bees.

Growing conditions: Tolerates a wide variety of soil types. Climate zone: 4 - 8

Uses and comments: Black Locust fixes nitrogen in the soil. Tends to send out root suckers, so not for small yards or near homes.

Can be kept at shrub size by cutting to the ground every 2-3 years.(Not in spring, as the sap bleeds). The wood is extremely rot resistant,

yellow colored, hard and strong. Good for fence posts and rails. There are spines or thorns on the branches.

Native to eastern Us - exact range unknown as it is so widely planted.