SCIENTIFIC NAME: Robinia pseudoacacia

COMMON NAME: black locust

LEAVES: Single odd pinnately compound with a rounded leaflet. Petiole is swollen at the base of the leaf blade. Approximately 7 -15 leaflets per leaf. Often two thorns present at the base of the leaf on either side of the petiole. Leaflets often whitish underneath (glaucous).

FLOWERS: White fragrant flowers in cascading racemes to 8" long and the flowers are fragrant. Spring.

FRUIT: Brown bean pod to 4" long in summer and fall.

BARK: Black ridged and furrowed.

OTHER: Angled rachis. Rachis has 2 thorns at its base generally. 50' to 60' tall. Skinny trunk and usually grows in a "V" shape. Not a good landscape tree. Native tree that transplants well. Fruit is a bean pod. A member of the Fabaceae family. Thornless black locust is available but some are unsure why anyone would want it.