Black Locust, False Acacia, Robinia
Kingdom: Plantae, Division: Angiosperms, Class: Eudicots, Order: Fabales, Family: Fabaceae, Genus: Robinia, Species: Robinia pseudoacacia · Fabaceae (Legume/Pea family) · Pinnately compound (Note: image shows a single leaflet from a larger compound leaf); Deciduous.
Species
Robinia pseudoacacia (Confidence: 95%)
Leaf Type
Pinnately compound (Note: image shows a single leaflet from a larger compound leaf); Deciduous.
Family
Fabaceae (Legume/Pea family)
Shape
Oval to elliptical with a slightly mucronate (pointed) tip.
Size
Approximately 1.5 to 2 inches in length. Standard leaflets range from 1 to 2 inches, while the full compound leaf can reach 6 to 14 inches.
Margin
Entire (smooth)
Arrangement
Alternate (leaflets are opposite on the rachis, but the compound leaf itself is alternate on the branch).
Rarity
Very Common; often considered a pioneer species or a weed in many temperate climates.
Color & Pattern
Dark bluish-green on the upper surface (adaxial) and a lighter, paler green on the underside (abaxial). No variegation present.
Venation Pattern
Pinnate with a distinct light-colored midrib; secondary veins are subtle and net-like (reticulate) toward the margins.
Texture & Surface
Smooth (glabrous), somewhat leathery or matte texture; lacks hairs.
Description
This is a single leaflet from a Black Locust tree. The tree itself is medium-sized with deeply furrowed, craggy bark that resembles braided rope. It produces hanging clusters of highly fragrant, white, pea-like flowers in late spring followed by flat, brown seed pods.
Key Features
Oval leaflet with a smooth margin and a small notch or point at the tip; pairs of thorns (stipular spines) at the base of the leaf stalks on the branches.
Habitat
Thrives in disturbed soils, open woodlands, and edges. Prefers full sun and well-drained soils; highly adaptable to poor or dry conditions.
Geographic Range
Native to the Appalachian Mountains and Ozark Plateau in the United States; widely naturalized and often invasive throughout Europe, Asia, and North America.
Condition Notes
Excellent health; the leaf demonstrates a rich green color with no visible signs of herbivory, chlorosis, or fungal infection.
Interesting Facts
The wood is exceptionally hard and resistant to rot, making it a favorite for fence posts and ship masts. It is also a primary source for 'Acacia' honey. Like other legumes, it fixes nitrogen into the soil.
Medicinal & Uses
Historically used by Native Americans for toothaches and as a sedative. Today, it is valued for high-quality timber, honey production, and land reclamation due to its nitrogen-fixing roots.
Ecological Role
Provides high-protein forage for honeybees and nesting sites for birds; however, its aggressive growth can displace native species in certain European and Asian habitats.
Similar Species
Honey Locust (Gleditsia triacanthos), which has smaller, narrower leaflets and often bipinnate leaves; or Sophora japonica, which has more pointed leaf tips.
Foraging Tips
Look for trees in sunny edges or field borders in early summer; the white flowers are edible when cooked (fritters), but all other parts are toxic.
Toxicity Warning
Highly Toxic; leaves, bark, seeds, and roots contain toxalbumins (robin and phasin) which are poisonous to humans and livestock (especially horses) if ingested.
Notes
Livada