Black Locust (Robinia pseudoacacia)

Black Locust (Robinia pseudoacacia) is originally native to the eastern United States, but has become naturalized in much of southern Canada, including New Brunswick (the most beautiful of which are in the Gagetown area).  This fast growing species is a super-tree in our opinion.  Like other members of the Legume family, it has struck up an evolutionary partnership with microbes; a relationship that allows the tree to pull atmospheric nitrogen from the air and convert it into a form of nitrogen available to plants - in effect fertilizing the soil. The wood is also incredibly dense and rot resistant, making it ideal for fencing and other outdoor applications. On top of all this, as a firewood it surpasses our native oaks and maples in heating value.  Did I mention bees love the fragrant white flowers that are produced in early summer? All that aside, it's just a beautiful tree. When mature, the deeply furrowed bark and contorted branching pattern really makes it stand out.

Some consider this species invasive as it spreads readily by way of root suckers (aka free trees). We believe that the numerous benefits outweigh these concerns. 

Seed orders combined with bare root trees/shrubs are shipped at the same time (November for fall orders, April/May for winter orders). Seed-only orders are shipped within 2 business days.

Light Requirements: Full Sun

Seed Source(s): New Brunswick

Collection Year: 2021

Hardiness (Canada): 4a

Seed Storage:  Refrigerate dry seeds in plastic bag for long term storage.

Germination Instructions:  Black locust has a hard seed coat that needs to be scarified (broken down) for a good germination.  The following 'hot water' method is extremely effective and it's what we use in the nursery for this species.

Pour seeds into a container of hot water and let them sit overnight.  In the morning, your seeds will be slightly swollen and are ready to plant.  Cover seeds lightly with your growing medium and keep moist until sprouts emerge.