black locust

Black locust, scientifically known as Robinia pseudoacacia, is a species of flowering tree native to eastern North America and Mexico. It belongs to the pea family, Fabaceae, and is often referred to as false acacia or yellow locust.1

This deciduous tree is characterized by its compound leaves, which have up to 21 oblong leaflets, and it is often armed with thorns. Black locust trees produce showy, fragrant white flowers that hang in loose clusters, and their fruit is a long, flattened legume. The wood of the black locust is known for being strong and stiff. Several locust species are cultivated for ornamental purposes, and some are valuable for erosion control and timber.12