Bloom Time
Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug
Plant Type
Trees, Native Plant, Poisonous, Tree, Perennial, Not climbing
Lifespan
Woody, Perennial
Plant Height
36-72 ft.
Flower
Fragrant wisteria-like white flowers in pendant racemes (to 8” long) bloom from April to June. They are pea-like and very fragrant.
Fruit
The flowers are followed by smooth, flat, purple-brown seed pods (to 4-5” long). These display from July to November.
Black Locust is widely planted for ornament and shelterbelts. It is also used for erosion control, particularly on strip-mined areas. Although it grows rapidly and spreads by sprouts like a weed, it is short-lived.
Birds
Butterflies
Hummingbirds
This species naturalizes easily and is considered an invasive weed in many of its non-native areas of establishment. Its brittle branches (subject to breaking in winds), vicious thorns, rampant root sprouts and copious seeding make this species a garden thug.
Order
Fabales
Family
Fabaceae
Genus
Robinia
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