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Robinia pseudoacacia
Black locust
Deciduous tree
(1 Page of 5)

 
The Robinia pseudoacacia plant species is found in Eastern N. America - Appalachian and Ozark mountain ranges. Naturalized in Britain[17]. It is a member of the Leguminosae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Black locust.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses
 
Latin Name:  Robinia pseudoacacia
Common Name:  Black locust
Family:  Leguminosae
Author:  L.
 
Known Hazards:  All parts of the plant (except the flowers) and especially the bark, should be considered to be toxic[4, 65, 76]. The toxins are destroyed by heat[65].
 
Mature Height:  25   Mature Width:  15
 
Habitat:  Woods and thickets[43], especially in deep well-drained calcareous soils[149].



Cultivation Notes:  Succeeds in any well-drained soil, prefering one that is not too rich[1, 200]. Succeeds in dry barren sites, tolerating drought and atmospheric pollution[60, 200]. Succeeds in a hot dry position. A fast-growing tree[188], it can begin to flower when only 6 years old, though 10 - 12 years is more normal[229]. The flowers are a rich source of nectar and are very fragrant[82] with a vanilla-like scent[245]. The branches are brittle and very liable to wind damage[200]. When plants are grown in rich soils they produce coarse and rank growth which is even more liable to wind damage[11, 200]. The plants sucker freely and often form dense thickets, the suckers have vicious thorns[226]. There are some named varieties selected for their ornamental value[188], some of these are thornless[226]. Any pruning should be done in late summer in order to reduce the risk of bleeding[200]. The leaves are rich in tannin and other substances which inhibit the growth of other plants[13]. A very greedy tree, tending to impoverish the soil[13]. (Although a legume, I believe it does not fix atmospheric nitrogen[K]) A very good bee plant[7, 13, 20, 201]. This species is notably resistant to honey fungus[88, 200].

For further Robinia pseudoacacia gardening information
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Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses
 

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
View their bibliography
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