Black Locust

Black Locust is a medium-sized tree, growing up to 80 feet tall. It is easily recognized by its leaves and paired spines up to a 1/2 inch long. Black Locusts prefer sandy or rocky soil, and are most often found in old fields, open areas, woods, and streamsides. The leaves of this tree are pinnately compound, which means one leaf has many (7 - 19) leaflets on one main stem. Black Locust flowers are pollinated by bees and hummingbirds. Black Locust does not compete well with other trees and does not tolerate shade, so it often gets crowded out. It grows very fast, but does not live long compared to most trees. It rarely lives to be 100 years old. Black Locust can survive drought and harsh winters.