Robinia pseudoacacia , unremarkably known in its native soil asblack locust , is a intermediate - sized hardwood deciduous tree , go to the kin Robinieae of the legume family Fabaceae . It is native to a few small expanse of the United States , but it has been widely planted and naturalize elsewhere in temperate North America , Europe , Southern Africa and Asia and is considered an encroaching mintage in some surface area , such as the temperate east glide of Australia .
Black Locust trees produce to a height of 40 to 100 feet ( 12 to 30 meters ) when mature . In optimal conditions , they might reach even taller superlative . The spread or width of the canopy can be around 20 to 35 feet . Trees growing in woodland or close proximity to other tree might develop grandiloquent but with a narrower gap as they compete for Light Within .
The torso diam can farm to be between 1 to 4 feet with exceptional specimens potentially growing larger . The barque is deeply furrow and coloured Brown University or mordant . Leaves are pinnately compound with small , ellipse leaflets .
Black Locusts acquire extremely fragrant , white peak in drooping raceme ( clusters ) in late spring . These flowers are not only esthetically pleasing but are also a skilful nectar source for dear product . After flowering , it produces flat , dark-brown seedpod that contain seeds . These pods can give ear on the tree diagram into wintertime . The seeds are dark orange brown with irregular markings . They ripen late in fall and hang on the branch until former springtime .
Under favourable condition , it can spring up more than 24 inch ( 60 cm ) annually . The Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree tends to reach adulthood in terms of height within about 10 to 15 years , though it will continue to fill out and grow thicker for several more days . On average , they might live for 60 to 100 geezerhood . However , some tree can live longer under ideal conditions , potentially up to 120 years or more , but this is less common .
Black Locust is pretty resistant to many diseases and pest , which conduce to its longevity . However , it can be susceptible to certain payoff like locust borer , fondness decomposition , and foliage miners , which can shorten its life if not wield . Proper attention , include adequate watering in dry conditions , pruning to remove dead or pathologic woodwind , and protection from severe strong-arm damage , can extend the living of the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree .
tree in urban setting or under emphasis from pollution , short soil , or mechanically skillful harm might have a trim back life-time . Conversely , those in optimum rural or forest conditions might live towards the long end of this spectrum .
Black Locust has the power to fix nitrogen from the air , thanks to symbiotic bacteria in its origin nodules . This trait reserve it to produce in pitiable soils where other plants might struggle and can improve soil rankness over time . Outside its native orbit , Black Locust can become invasive , altering ecosystems by shading out other plants and interchange soil chemical science .
voice of the tree , specially the barque , leaves , and seeds , are toxic if ingest . They contain toxalbumins like robin , which can cause gastrointestinal distress , helplessness , and in severe cases , could be fatal .
The wood is highly intemperate , resistant to decompose , and durable , making it ideal for outdoor uses like fencing posts , pole , railroad track ties , and even in gravy holder construction . It ’s also used for firewood because it burn slowly with little seeable flame or bullet and has a high-pitched oestrus substance .
Black locust tree can be easily propagated from stem , softwood , or hardwood . cultivar may be engraft , ensuring that parent and daughter plant will be genetically identical . In Europe , it is often planted along streets and in parking area , especially in orotund cities , because it tolerates pollution well .
Cultivars
Several cultivars exist , ‘ Frisia ’ being one of the most planted ones .
