Black Locust
Robinia pseudoacacia · Deciduous broadleaf hardwood
Plant Family
Fabaceae
Tree Category
Shade Tree, Street Tree, Forest Tree
Variety / Cultivar
Standard species, though cultivars like 'Frisia' exist for golden foliage
Hardiness Zones
Thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 3 through 9
About This Tree
A medium to large deciduous tree with an irregular, open crown, often featuring crooked branches and deeply furrowed bark. Known for rapid early growth and suckering habits.
Leaf Characteristics
Pinnately compound leaves, 8 to 14 inches long, with 7 to 19 oval or elliptic leaflets. Leaflets have smooth margins, rounded tips, and turn a dull yellow in autumn.
Bark Characteristics
Dark brown to gray, deeply furrowed with thick, interwoven ridges that often form a diamond-patterned texture, becoming rugged and coarse with age.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to the southeastern United States, now widely naturalized across North America, Europe, and Asia
Growing Season
Spring leaf-out following late spring flowering, deciduous dormancy through winter
Sunlight & Water Needs
Requires full sun for optimal growth. High drought tolerance once established; prefers well-drained soils but adapts to poor soils.
Mature Size
Reaches 40 to 80 feet in height with a spread of 20 to 50 feet; fast growth rate and moderate lifespan.
Special Characteristics
Extremely hard, durable wood naturally resistant to rot, making it valuable for fence posts and outdoor construction. Fixes nitrogen in the soil.
Wildlife & Ecology
Flowers provide abundant nectar for honeybees and other pollinators. Seeds and pods are consumed by some wildlife, and dense thickets offer nesting cover for birds.