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Black locust

Robinia pseudoacacia | Family: Fabaceae

submission: Chrissy McIntire

Identification:

Leaves—

small, green, oval-shaped, in slanting downward rows

Twigs—

long, very thin and fragile, dull light gray-brown

Flowers—

reddish brown pods hanging in clusters

Fruit—

tiny white clusters

Bark—

rough thick twisted texture, light dull gray-brown color

Hover over one of the descriptions to see an example.

picture of leaves picture of bark picture of twigs picture of fruit picture of flowers

 

Natural History:

Lifespan—

60–100 years.

General description—

Since this tree can tolerate growth in many places, it can be found in other parts of the world. Over time, it has become a pest to the native species in other places since it is competitive. This tree doesn't tolerate shade very well.

Natural distribution and habitat—

Native to North America and usually found in the states.

Conservation status—

Nothing serious, since it easily overtakes other native species.

Uses—

Used as shade and food by wildlife. Durable wood is used to make wooden products. The tree is also used to make honey and firewood.

References:

  1. “Black Locust.” School of Forest Resources Conservation RSS2, University of Florida, 17 December 2015, http://sfrc.ufl.edu/extension/4h/trees/Black_locust/index.html
  2. “Black Locust.” canadiantreetours.org, Canadian Tree Tours, http://canadiantreetours.org/species-pages/Black_locust.html
  3. “Lifespans of common trees in Virginia.” cnre.vt.edu, Virginia Big Trees, http://bigtree.cnre.vt.edu/lifespan.html

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