Taxon

Robinia pseudoacacia

 
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Robinia pseudoacacia - Black Locust, Yellow Locust, False Acacia
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Common name: Black Locust, Yellow Locust, False Acacia
Family: Fabaceae (Bean)
Synonym: Robinia pseudo-acacia
Distribution: E. US
Habitat: Woodlands, prairies, pastures, disturbed habitats; 0-800 meters
Hardiness: -40 - -30 F
Life form: Deciduous tree
Bloom Time: May to June
Attracts: Bees; butterflies; birds
Fall color: Yellowish
Foliage characteristics: Alternate, pinnately compound leaves with 7-19 lanceolate leaflets. Leaves 8-12" long, leaflets 1-2" long.
Fruit characteristics: Flat, dark legume with an impermeable coat contain 4-8 seeds. 3-4" long.
Bark characteristics: Young: smooth, brown, and thorny Mature: thick, deeply furrowed, scaly, and dark brown
Average height: 30-60'
Structure: Broadly columnar
Bloom characteristics: Drooping clusters of white, pea-like, fragrant flowers grow from leaf axils near the tip of new shoots. 6" long.
Dioecious: Yes.
Description: Black locust is notable for its hanging clusters of white, pea-like flowers. This plant has spines, and the bark and young branches are poisonous - especially to horses.
Invasive but not banned in Connecticut, Prohibited in Massachusetts, a California invasive plant, and on the Weeds of the Northeast list.
Links: Fire Effects Information System (FEIS)Missouri Botanical Garden Plant FinderUSDA Natural Resources Conservation Service

Locations

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