Black Locust
Robinia pseudoacacia · Fabaceae (Legume, Bean, or Pea family)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrect
Leaf Morphology
Leaf Type
Pinnately compound leaf, deciduous
Shape
The overall compound leaf is pinnate with numerous oval to elliptical leaflets, each with an entire margin and rounded or slightly notched tip.
Margin
Entire (smooth edges without teeth or lobes)
Arrangement
Alternate arrangement on the branches
Venation
Pinnate venation visible on each individual leaflet, featuring a central midrib with branching lateral veins.
Key Features
Pinnately compound leaves with oval leaflets featuring rounded tips, paired stipular spines at the nodes on young branches, deeply grooved dark bark, and drooping clusters of fragrant white flowers.
Description
Black Locust is a medium to large deciduous tree known for its deeply furrowed, dark bark, thorny twigs, and fragrant, pendant clusters of white, pea-like flowers in spring. It produces flat, smooth legume pods containing several hard seeds. The wood is exceptionally hard, durable, and rot-resistant, making it a favorite for fence posts.
Habitat
Found in open woods, disturbed areas, forest edges, along roadsides, and abandoned fields. Prefers moist, rich soils and full sun, but is extremely hardy and adapts well to poor, dry soils.
Native Range
Native to the Appalachian Mountains and the Ozark Plateau in North America, but now widely naturalized across North America, Europe, Asia, and parts of the Southern Hemisphere.