Black Locust

TREES

GENUS/SPECIES

Robinia pseudoacacia

FAMILY

Papilionaceae
(=Fabaceae in part)

SYNONYMS

Information not available

DISTRIBUTION

Eastern US

Central Alabama northeastward to SW Ohio and central Pennsylvania
Disjunct population from SE Oklahoma to east central Missouri
Isolated areas of S Illinois and S Indiana

Human Product Number - 169

Veterinary Product Number - 169

Comments

Black locust is commonly cultivated for its showy white flowers, so the natural range has been expanded greatly. It becomes a medium-sized tree often seen along roadsides, especially in moist soils underlain by limestone. The leaves are compound with relatively small leaflets. The white flowers, which bloom in spring, hang in clusters from the twigs. Although the flowers are insect-pollinated, the pollen presents an occasional allergy hazard. The seed pods rather resemble flattened pea pods.