Black Locust

Robinia pseudoacacia

Black Locust False Acacia Yellow Locust Parts used Uses Habitat and cultivation

Black locust - a deciduous tree 60-80 feet tall, with a thick, deeply furrowed, dark brown bark and crooked, forking branches. Compound, feathery leaves 8-10 inches long consist of oval leaflets 1 - 2 1/2 inches long. A pair of approximately 1/2-inch-long thorns forms at the base of each leaf. White, sweet-scented flower clusters (May-June) resemble pea blossoms. Smooth, dark brown pods 3 - 4 inches long contain poisonous seeds.

The fragrant white pealike flowers and the seedpods of the black locust identify it as a member of the pea family. A North American native, the black locust is believed to have originated in the Appalachian Mountains. At one time, it is said, some American Indians prepared emetics and strong laxatives from the bark of black locust; but because the tree contains mildly toxic substances, it never enjoyed wide medicinal use. Its sterling qualities as building timber, however-black locust posts set in the ground will remain sturdy for 50 years-led settlers to spread its range, so that it is now widely established North America. The stately tree was also planted in Paris from seeds sent to Jean Robin, botanist and landscaper to the king of France at the beginning of the 17th century-hence its scientific name, Robinia. Since then, the black locust has been planted from England to eastern Europe, becoming the most important timber tree in Hungary and Romania.

Europeans also experimented with black locust for medicinal purposes. A tea made from the flowers was tried for headaches, stomach pains, and nausea, and black locust blossoms steeped in wine were used to treat anemia.

PARTS USED

Flowers.

USES

The black locust is no longer used medicinally. The hard, very durable wood is made into fence posts, railroad ties, and mine timbers. Because the trees grow fast, conservationists favor them for erosion control.

HABITAT AND CULTIVATION

Black locust grows from Nova Scotia to Ontario, and throughout the United States from Maine to California.