black locust
Robinia pseudoacacia

Black locust is a tenacious eastern species, commonly found as a pioneer on disturbed sites. Its ability to "fix" atmospheric nitrogen and grow rapidly have led to its use for land reclamation. Despite being shortlived and subject to insect attacks and heart-rot, black locust remains a valuable species in many utilitarian ways.

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Light Fall Color. Water
Growth   Size
Timber Value

      Black locust is used for fenceposts, mine timbers, poles, railroad ties, ship timbers, wooden pins, pegs, nails, stakes, boxes, crates, pulpwood, fuelwood, and novelties.
Wildlife Value
      Black locust provides cover for a variety of species. Deer browse seedlings and young trees. Heartrot leads to use by cavity excavating birds.
          Attracts: northern bobwhite, deer, squirrels, woodpeckers, flickers, screech owls
Regeneration methods
      Black locust is not commonly regenerated deliberately and is often considered a weed in timber production. Very intolerant of shade, black locust requires clearcut or seed-tree methods. It stump sprouts and root suckers abundantly.
Important Problems Early Detection tips
locust borer swelling and sap stained wood
loucst leafminer browning foliage in early summer
Fun facts
Rhizobial root nodules allow trees to "fix" atmospheric nitrogen into plant usable form. Black locust flowers are used in honey production. Locust borers allow heartrot fungi to enter trunks and the resultant fungal bodies are often used as 'artist conks'. Black locust is excellent firewood.
Robinia after Jean Robin, French Herbalist. pseudoacacia false acacia, Greek "akakia" (the Egyptian thorn-tree) and "akis" (thorn).
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2004 Virginia Tech Forestry Department, all rights reserved. Text, images, and programming by: Dr. Jeff Kirwan, Dr. John R. Seiler, John A. Peterson, Edward C. Jensen, Guy Phillips, or Andrew S. Meeks.

questions, comments, and criticisms: email John.Peterson@vt.edu