Species › Plants › Black Locust

Black Locust

Robinia pseudoacacia

CommonPlant
Illustration of Black Locust (Robinia pseudoacacia)
Safety note: Bark, seeds, and leaves are toxic; contact with bark can cause skin irritation.

Black Locust is a nitrogen-fixing native tree of the Appalachian region that has naturalized widely across North America and globally. Its fragrant white flower clusters in May are one of the most important nectar sources for honeybees, producing the prized black locust honey. Its wood is remarkably rot-resistant, lasting decades in soil contact.

Habitat
Rocky slopes, disturbed areas, and forest edges; native to Appalachians
Diet
Flowers provide exceptional nectar for honeybees; seeds eaten by some songbirds
How common
Common

Best time to see a Black Locust

The best time to see a Black Locust is April–July, when about 63% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 35,690 research-grade iNaturalist observations.

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Not certain it is a Black Locust? What plant is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.

Recent Black Locust sightings near you

Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.

Spotted a Black Locust?

Point Huck at any plant, bird, or animal and know for sure - plus a live map of where it is being spotted near you.

Get Huck - free
5,300+species
63national parks
50states

More plants

Black Needlerush
Black Needlerush
Juncus roemerianus
Black Nightshade
Black Nightshade
Solanum nigrum
Black Oak
Black Oak
Quercus velutina
Black Raspberry
Black Raspberry
Rubus occidentalis
Black Spruce
Black Spruce
Picea mariana
Black Tupelo
Black Tupelo
Nyssa sylvatica
Black Walnut
Black Walnut
Juglans nigra
Black Willow
Black Willow
Salix nigra