View Larger Black Locust

Planted at Mount Vernon

Planted at Mount Vernon


Hardiness Zones

3 3 4 4b 5 5b 6 6b 7 7b 8 8b USDA basemap

Average annual extreme minimum temperature 1976-2005

map legend 3 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b

Black locust trees are fast-growing with an open habit, prominent thorns when young, and deeply furrowed bark when mature. Their fragrant white pea-like flowers attract honey bees, who make an aromatic honey from the pollen.

Latin Name

Robinia pseudoacacia


Family

Fabaceae


Also Known As

False Acacia


Type of Plant

Trees Trees

Bloom Season

May - June


Seasons

Spring Spring

Specifications

Max height Max Height: 80'
Max spread Max Spread: 35'

Uses

  • Shade Tree
  • Street Tree

  • Sunlight Exposure

    Full Sun Full Sun

    Tolerances

  • Air Pollution
  • Deer
  • Drought

  • Toxicity

    Do not ingest Do not ingest

    Colors


    Native Range

    Eastern and central United States


    History

    Black locust has historically been a valuable source of wood for fence posts, due to their rot-resistance. Washington planted a grove of locust on the north end of the mansion.


    Other Details

    Pollinator Pollinator

    Bartlett Tree Expert Company has been working with Mount Vernon Estate since 2011 providing expert arboricultural care and GPS mapping for the estate’s historic trees, as well as support from their research facility.   Mount Vernon is proud to partner with Bartlett Tree Experts and appreciates their sponsorship of George Washington’s Mount Vernon Plant Finder App.

    Bring Washington's Garden Home

    Purchase our historic seeds, collected from plants grown at Mount Vernon and plant them in your own garden.

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