Black Locust

Black Locust

Robinia pseudoacacia

 

     This deciduous tree of the Legume family is an excellant pioneer plant with many uses.

 

 Black Locust Bark

Black locust leaves

Sets of 2 thorns can be found on many branches

Seed and Seed pod.  Pods can be 2"-6" long and contain up to 20 seeds.

Black Locust flowering (Mid June in these parts)

The Pea like blossoms grow in clusters.

Form:

Tree, upper canopy

Up to 150' tall

 

Growing:

Permaculture Uses:

Hard, rot resistant wood.  Great for fence posts, tool handels, and many building applications.
Flowers are excellant for honey production
Flowers are edible
Leaves can be used as animal fodder on limited basis.
Seeds can be eaten by chickens
Improves nitrogen in the soil.
Can be coppiced
Pioneer plant, nitrogen fixer

Needs:

Sunlight

Water

Air

Soil

Products:

Wood

Leaves

Flowers

Pollen

Seed pods

Seeds

Thorns