tree

Black locust

Robinia pseudoacacia

Updated 4 Aug 2026 · AI-parsed entry

Black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia) — a tree, for Full sun, Low water. Companions: Black walnut, Heartnut.

What it needs & gives back

↓ Needs

Lightfull sun to partial shade
Waterlow to medium

↑ Gives back

Mulch_biomasshigh
Shademedium to high

Companions

Through the year

Through the year

JFMAMJJASOND
emergenceLeaves emerge after the last spring frost and when air temperatures consistently rise above 10°C.
floweringFlowers typically appear about a month after leaf emergence.
fruitingPods containing seeds develop after flowering and mature over the summer.
senescenceLeaves begin to yellow and drop with the first autumn frosts.
dormancyThe tree enters dormancy shortly after leaf senescence, lasting through winter.

Soil interactions

Drainagewell-drained to moderately drained
Nitrogen fixingYes
MycorrhizalYes
Accumulatesnitrogen
Soil texturesandy, loamy, clay
Organic matterHigh
Compaction toleranceHigh

Propagation

Methodsseed, cuttings, suckers
Difficulty2 / 5
Establishes in~2 yr
Stratificationrequires scarification and cold stratification
Self-seedingAggressive
Divisionlate_winter_early_spring

Wildlife & pests

Attractsbees, pollinators
Can host pestslocust borer
Can host diseaseswood rot, canker