Black Locust (Robinia pseudoacacia)

Black Locust is native to the southeastern United States but has been widely planted around the world for its many benefits. Its wood is among the hardest and most rot-resistant in North America, making it a top choice for fence posts, outdoor furniture, and building materials. As a nitrogen-fixing tree, it enriches the soil, supporting the growth of other plants in agroforestry systems. Its fragrant, white flowers are highly attractive to bees, contributing to honey production. Historically, Black Locust wood was used by Indigenous peoples and settlers for tools and structures due to its exceptional durability.

Black Locust grows rapidly in its early years, forming an upright, open crown with irregular branching. It produces pinnate leaves that create dappled shade, making it a good companion tree in mixed plantings. In late spring to early summer, it blooms with cascading clusters of fragrant white flowers. By late summer, it forms flat, brown seed pods. The tree's deep root system and ability to spread via suckers allow it to establish and stabilize quickly, even in poor or eroded soils

Size at Maturity- 40-80 feet tall with a spread of 20-30 feet

Current Size- Large 1'-2', 1 year old seedling

Black Locust is an invaluable addition to food forests and ecological designs due to its ability to improve soil fertility through nitrogen fixation and its capacity to thrive in marginal conditions. Its rot-resistant wood provides sustainable material for construction, while its flowers support pollinators and honey production. The tree creates microclimates with its shade and protects against soil erosion, making it a pioneer species that enhances the resilience and productivity of the landscapes it inhabits.