Black Locust Seedlings (Robinia pseudoacacia)

Black locust is an amazing native tree with a host of uses. It has an extremely fast growth rate and can reach heights of 80 feet, but is more often 40-60 feet tall. Because it fixes nitrogen into the soil and creates a wonderful dappled shade the understory is ideal for many plants, making it a good candidate to help repair damaged land. It tolerates almost any soil type, but does prefer reasonably well drained soils and won’t do well in water logged sites. The early summer blossoms (which are edible!) have an intoxicating fragrance and are a very valuable nectar flow for honey production. The wood of black locust is a nearly miraculous material. It is incredibly rot resistant, far outlasting pressure treated wood and does so naturally without the use of toxic chemicals making it ideal for use in garden beds, decks and outdoor furniture or in marine applications. There are many farms across the country that have old locust fence posts that were installed many decades ago and are still doing the job today. Black locust wood is also extremely dense and is a fantastic firewood. With a BTU rating of 26-30 per cord, It is among the hottest, longest and cleanest burning woods available in North America. When managed in a coppice system black locust can provide a sustainable supply of small diameter firewood.

Despite its many benefits, the NYS DEC requires we post this statement: “Invasive Species – Harmful to the Environment. Alternatives include: Honeylocust”

We strongly disagree with the state’s assessment and think that black locust can be very helpful in restoring abused land while also producing useful material and products. Our seed is collected from local stands of large and exceptionally straight parent trees. Our nursery offers bare root seedlings that are 12-20’ in height. Hardy in zones 4-8.

This item cannot be shipped to: MA, ME, MN.