Robinia pseudoacacia, commonly called black locust, is medium sized
deciduous tree that typically grows to 30-50’ (less frequently to 80’) tall. It
is native to the Allegheny Mountains in the west-central Appalachian Mountains.
It will grow as a broadly columnar single trunk tree with a narrow oblong
crown. It is noted for its attractive compound leaves and pendant racemes of
pea-like flowers. Branches are usually armed with short paired spines (to 1.25”
long). Pinnate dark blue-green leaves, with each leaf having up to 23
lance-shaped to ovate leaflets. Leaves turn uneventful yellow in fall. Fragrant
wisteria-like white flowers in pendant racemes (to 8” long) bloom in late
spring. Bees are attracted to the flowers. Flowers are followed by smooth,
flat, purple-brown seed pods (to 4-5” long). This species is also commonly
called common locust, yellow locust, white locust, green locust, pea flower
locust and false acacia. Grow in average, dry to medium, well-drained soils in
full sun. Tolerates some light shade, but avoid shady locations. Tolerates a
wide range of soils including sandy or nearly barren ones. Best performance is
in moist, organically rich loams. Good drought tolerance. Fixes nitrogen. Black
locust is generally considered to be a very easy-to-grow tree. It thrives in
many difficult growing conditions.
Growing Instructions
1. Scarify the seeds by nicking or sanding the seed coat.
2. Soak the seed in water for 12-24 hours.
3. The seeds like moist, well-drained soil. Prepare a mixture of half
potting soil and half sand, perlite or vermiculite. Put the soil in a pot.
Water the mixture so that it is moist but not wet.
4. Put the seeds on the soil.
5. Cover the seeds with a layer of soil.
6. Water the seeds.
7. Place the pots in an area in full sun or part shade. The
seeds should germinate in a few weeks.
8. When the seedlings are a few inches tall, they can be transplanted.
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Liam (verified owner) –
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