tree

Black Locust

Robinia pseudoacacia

Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

600 inches

Width

360 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Low

Humidity

Adaptable

Lifespan

Medium

Native To

Southeastern United States

Toxicity

All parts (bark, leaves, seeds) are toxic if ingested, except for the flowers.

The Story

Plant Bio

A fast-growing, medium-sized deciduous tree native to the southeastern US, but widely naturalized. It features pinnately compound leaves and produces intensely fragrant, pea-like white flowers in drooping racemes. The wood is famously durable and rot-resistant. The tree is a nitrogen-fixer, improving the soil where it grows, but it can be aggressive, spreading by root suckers. It has sharp thorns on its branches.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

The tree is highly valued for its large, drooping clusters of intensely fragrant white flowers in late spring, which are a spectacular sight. The fine-textured, compound leaves cast a light, dappled shade.

Black Locust wood is one of the most durable and rot-resistant timbers in North America, excellent for fence posts, outdoor furniture, and decking. The flowers are edible and used to make fritters.

As a legume, it fixes atmospheric nitrogen, enriching poor soils. The fragrant flowers are a major nectar source for honeybees, producing a highly prized honey. It provides cover and nesting sites for birds.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

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Planting

How to Grow

Choose a full sun site with any well-drained soil.
Dig a hole two to three times the root ball width.
Place the tree in the hole, ensuring the root flare is visible.
Backfill with existing soil and water deeply to settle.
Monitor for locust borers, especially on young, stressed trees.
Remove suckers from the base as they appear to control spread.

Pro Tip

Be mindful of its aggressive suckering habit; site it where this won't be a problem, or use root barriers.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Use it for difficult, poor-soil sites where other trees fail.
Wear gloves when pruning to protect against sharp thorns.
Plant it for its valuable, rot-resistant wood.

Don't

Don't plant it in small gardens or near foundations due to suckering.
Avoid wounding the trunk, as this can attract borers.
Don't plant it where its brittle branches could fall on structures.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Pest Check
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Fast-growing reclamation treeFragrant specimen for large propertiesTough urban street tree

Companion Plants

Andropogon gerardii Schizachyrium scoparium Panicum virgatum Solidago speciosa

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Black Locust questions

What zones can Black Locust grow in?

Black Locust is hardy in USDA Zones 4–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Black Locust deer resistant?

Yes — Black Locust is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Black Locust bloom?

Black Locust typically blooms in late spring through early summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Black Locust need full sun?

Black Locust does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Black Locust drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Black Locust handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.