Description
Black Locust is a fast growing hardwood tree it’s native range is the Southern Appalachian mountains. Good for firewood, fence posts, honey, nitrogen fixing in the soil and thorns to keep bratty kids from cutting through your yard. As far as firewood goes it is as dense as sugar maple. I don’t have any personal experience burning black locust as I never planted the forest of locust trees that I wanted for honey production. It is said that black locust honey is some of the best honey available. As far as fence posts go, it is reported to be very long lasting in ground contact.
We have about 20 acres of white cedar for posts and lumber so I haven’t needed black locust posts. Mining companies buy plenty of these from us for mining reclamation projects. Locust fixes nitrogen in the soil much like a soybean does. Now, keeping unwanted guests from running through your property, black locust will do it but Washington Hawthorne may be a better bet! Hawthorne is smaller, to 30′, and is more like a hedge but doesn’t fix nitrogen.
And lest I forget, the thorns on the black locust are nasty. I was mowing the grass in my Crocks (I know, stupid. I have graduated to tennis shoes). The thorns went through the 3/4 inch bottoms and into my foot. I was shocked! North Carolina Extension Gardener site.
Scientific Name: Robina pseudoacacia
Zone: 4-9
Mature Height: 50-80 ft
Mature Width: 30-40 ft
Fruit: Dark brown legumes, with seeds inside. 2-4″ long
Flowers: White, fragrant, 4-6″ long clusters
Bloom Time: April – June
Growth Rate: Fast, 24-48″
Soil: Deep, rich soil
Drought Tolerance: Good
Flood Tolerance: Good
Sun Requirements: Sun
Fall Color: Yellow
Wildlife Value: Great pollen source for bees and the honey they produce from the black locust flower is excellent.
