Black Locust 

Robinia pseudoacacia
Black Locust, False Acacia, Robinier Faux-Acacia
Family: Fabaceae (Bean Family)
Native Range: Eastern United States; naturalized throughout southern and eastern Ontario
Typical Height: 25 m (80 ft)
Maximum Recorded Height: Not specified
Trunk Diameter: ~60 cm
Growth Rate: Medium–Fast
Lifespan: Typical 90 years
Seed Maturity: 2–3 years. Remains viable of germinating for many years in cool, dry environments
Reproductive Cycle: Most years; abundant crops every 2–3 years
Soil Preferences: Wide range of soils; best in moist, limestone soils; intolerant of shade
Water Needs: Prefers moist conditions; tolerates some drought
Hardiness Zones: CA4, NA3
Fire Resistance: Low
Fire Regeneration: No special adaptation
Shade Tolerance: Low; requires full sun
Strength Rating: Heavy, hard, very strong wood; durable in contact with soil
Decay Resistance: High in soil contact; ring-porous wood
Pest/Disease Resistance: Susceptible to locust borer.. Megacyllene robiniae.. young trees may be affected by twigs or bark damage
Climate Adaptability: Tolerates temperate climates; hardy to zone CA4/NA3
Uses: Timber (fence posts, durable wood in soil), restoration plantings (mine spoils, gravel pits), honey production, ornamental
Ecological Role: Supports birds and small mammals via seeds; spreads readily via seed and root sprouts, stabilizing disturbed soils
Cultural/Historical Significance: Introduced and naturalized across Canada; valued for showy, fragrant flowers and durable wood
Bark: Young trees smooth, brown with spines and lenticels; mature trees thick, dark brown, deeply furrowed
Leaves: Pinnately compound, 7–19 leaflets 30-50mm long with terminal leaflet dull green, spiny twigs, spines at base of leaf.
Flowers: White, pea-like, fragrant, drooping clusters ~14 cm long; appear in early summer after leaves
Fruits: Flat pods 7–10 cm long; several on central stalk; dark reddish-brown; persist through winter; contain 4–8 hard, dark seeds per pod
Seeds: 3–5 mm, dark, bean-like, hard-coated; viable many years in cool, dry conditions
Growth Form: Medium-sized, irregular open crown; short, brittle branches
Reproductive Features: Pollination by insects; seed and root sprout propagation; seed crops abundant every 2–3 years
Unique Features: Rapid spread by roots and seed; fragrant, showy flowers; spiny twigs; pods persistent into winter; used for restoration and honey production
Foliage Details: Dull green, pinnately compound; terminal leaflet present; spines at base of leaf
Cones/Fruits: Flat pods, persist through winter
Threats: Locust borer attacks; twigs and bark toxic to livestock
Carbon Sequestration: Moderate; fast-growing medium-sized tree