Do black locust trees have deep roots?
While a number of sources state that black locust is commonly shallow-rooted (reviews by [72,167,312]), the species occasionally develops deep roots (review by [167]). Vertical roots were found at 20 to 25 feet (6.1-7.6 m) in the Southwest (review by [167]) and 21 feet (6 m) in the Oklahoma panhandle [42].
Is Locust good firewood?
Overall, locust is a great firewood to burn. By cutting down these rapidly growing trees you'll not only help control its invasive tendencies, but you'll keep your house very warm in the process. Black locust firewood will produce 27.9 million BTU's per cord.
Does black locust grow in Texas?
It is not native to Texas but has naturalized here quite well. Black locust is often seen in abandoned fields and old home sites. It is native to Georgia, Oklahoma, Arkansas and northeast to New York. IDENTIFICATION INFORMATION: It is an upright and spreading tree with small oval leaflets on large compound leaves that have yellow fall color.
Do locust trees have seed pods?
Seed Pods. The female honey locust trees produce long, flat and twisted fruits (or seed pods). The pale green seed pods turn reddish-brown and black, when they mature. As they ripen, the seed pods produce a strong smell. The sticky pulp inside the pods are edible. These seed pods fall off the tree during winter.
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Are black locust trees native to North America?
The black locust is native to the eastern United States, but the exact native range is not accurately known as the tree has been cultivated and is currently found across the continent, in all the lower 48 states, eastern Canada, and British Columbia.
Why is the black locust a problem?
Black Locust is a legume, so nitrogen-fixing bacteria associated with nodules on the roots increase nitrogen content of the soil in which the tree grows. Black locust poses a serious threat to native vegetation in dry and sand prairies, oak savannas and upland forest edges, outside of its historic North American range.
Why is black locust considered invasive?
Since black locust reproduces by the double-whammy of prolific seed production and excessive root sprouts (vegetative reproduction by underground roots), it's very difficult to control. Removal of sprouts through cutting and bulldozing generates new growth.
What is black locust good for?
Black Locusts are a good tree for erosion control, land reclamation, and for a durable hardwood that grows extremely fast. They benefit wildlife, can be used for fence posts and hardwood lumber, and produce very fragrant flowers in Spring.
Should I cut down black locust?
Spread of black locust can be hindered by repeated cutting during the growing season. All stems should be cut, and new stems that appear subsequently should also be removed in the same growing season.
How much is a black locust tree worth?
Prices for these products range from $1 – $3 per linear foot for whole posts, and from $1.50 – $3.50/board foot for milled lumber, which is far above the prices for most conventional hardwood lumber.
How toxic are black locust trees?
The Bottom Line. The bark, seeds, and leaves of black locust trees contain poisonous compounds called toxalbumins. They are toxic to both livestock and humans and have been reported to cause symptoms from gastrointestinal distress to nervous system disorders.
Is black locust good for wildlife?
Wildlife Value: The beautiful flowers of the black locust are valuable food sources for honeybees. Deer and rabbits eat from the tree, and ruffed grouse consume the leaves. Squirrels and game birds eat the black locust seeds.
How long do black locust trees live?
around 60 years oldMost live to be around 60 years old. However, some specimens can grow taller than 150 feet, have a diameter of more than 5 feet, and live to be 100 years old. The branches grow erratically and without any sense of order. When the limbs are very young, they are coated in a silvery-white down that quickly disappears.
Can chickens eat black locust?
Summary. We are very happy with all the functions that the black locust serve and recommend it as an excellent fodder for poultry, rabbits and bees and a great fuel wood.
Can you eat black locust pods?
The seed pods are poisonous. The bark and leaves are listed as toxic, so make sure to weed out any leaves that get into your harvest. The flowers strip away easily, right into your bag. The entire flower portion is edible, with the pink base having the sweetest flavor.
Is black locust harder than Hickory?
Black Locust is a very hard and strong wood, competing with Hickory (Carya genus) as the strongest and stiffest domestic timber, but with more stability and rot-resistance.
Is black locust toxic for humans?
The Black Locust inner bark, roots, and twigs are poisonous to livestock, especially horses, and can be fatal. The seed is poisonous to humans.
What is killing the locust trees?
Blister beetles will attack locust trees in droves. They are ash-gray in appearance, and they will cause extreme defoliation over various components of the tree. Infestations usually occur at the end of June or the beginning of July.
Is black locust toxic?
The bark, seeds, and leaves of black locust trees contain poisonous compounds called toxalbumins. They are toxic to both livestock and humans and have been reported to cause symptoms from gastrointestinal distress to nervous system disorders.
What eats black locust tree?
The beautiful flowers of the black locust are valuable food sources for honeybees. Deer and rabbits eat from the tree, and ruffed grouse consume the leaves. Squirrels and game birds eat the black locust seeds.
Why is black locust important?
Planted outside of its native range for hardwood lumber and fence posts, erosion control, reclaiming of mine soil, and as nectar for honeybees, it was noted in Michigan’s jack pine barrens by 1888, and in Washtenaw County by 1862. Because black locust fixes nitrogen in the soil and spreads clonally by suckers, it can form dense colonies ...
How do black locusts reproduce?
Black locust seed pods. Photo by L. Wallis. Since black locust reproduces by the double-whammy of prolific seed production and excessive root sprouts (vegetative reproduction by underground roots), it’s very difficult to control. Removal of sprouts through cutting and bulldozing generates new growth.
What is the most difficult invasive tree to eradicate?
Black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia), also called false acacia or yellow locust, is one of the most difficult invasive trees to eradicate. Belonging to the Fabaceae or pea family, it is endemic to the southeastern United States, particularly parts of the Appalachians and Ozarks. Planted outside of its native range for hardwood lumber and fence posts, erosion control, reclaiming of mine soil, and as nectar for honeybees, it was noted in Michigan’s jack pine barrens by 1888, and in Washtenaw County by 1862. Because black locust fixes nitrogen in the soil and spreads clonally by suckers, it can form dense colonies that overshade and outcompete native species.
Where did black locust come from?
It is thought that the botanist for France's Henry IV, Jean Robin, or his son Vespasien, sent seeds of black locust, probably from Louisiana, to Europe in the early 17th century. Although decay organisms destroy living wood rapidly, once cut, black locust has durable, hard wood.
What soil does a black locust tree live in?
Culture: Black locust will adapt to many soils, except those that are permanently wet. It performs best on moist, loamy soils of limestone origin. Black locust transplants easily. It fixes nitrogen, partially creating its own supply of nitrogen. It is hardy in Zones 3 to 8 (possibly 9). It does have several problems, including internal decay (conk), borers and black locust leaf miner, which gives the tree a brown appearance in late summer. Although black locust does have these pest problems, with the exception of internal decay (Phellinus robineae), they seldom kill the tree. Trees with internal decay break apart in wind storms and should be removed in urban areas where their failure has the potential to cause property damage or endanger people.
How tall do black locusts grow?
Black Locust. Black Locust - Robinia pseudoacacia. Pea Family (Fabaceae) Introduction: Some cultivars of this species reach heights of only 20 to 30 feet. In May they offer fragrant flowers that are white or rose-pink, borne in racemes that are 4 to 8 inches long. Black locust is a tough tree that will survive very poor conditions.
How long are locust leaves?
Leaf: Leaves are alternate, pinnately compound and 6 to 14 inches long. Each leaf includes seven to 19 leaflets that are 1 to 2 inches long. Leaves are dark blue-green in summer and yellow-green in fall. Black locust drops its leaves early in fall. Hardiness: Winter hardy to USDA Zone 3.
What is the bark of a black locust?
The bark of black locust is reddish brown to almost black with deep furrows. Bees make a delicious honey from black locust flowers. Locust pods are eaten by livestock and wildlife.
Where do sage trees grow?
Botanical Information. Native habitat: Pennsylvania to Georgia, west to Iowa, Missouri and Oklahoma. Growth habit: Often upright with a straight trunk. Form varies with cultivar. Tree size: Choose cultivars in the 20- to 30-foot range. Growth rate is fast.
Does black locust have a problem with a tree?
Although black locust does have these pest problems, with the exception of internal decay (Phellinus robineae), they seldom kill the tree.
Where do black locust trees grow?
This tree, which has often been given a bad name for it’s opportunistic rapid growth and robust thorns, is said to be native originally to the Appalachian Mountain range, though it has become naturalized throughout the United States, southern Canada, and even parts of Europe and Asia.
How to grow black locust?
The sheep initially prune the lower limbs for feed, and we prune thicker branches to use for tree stakes, to plant more trees! We plant very close together (3 – 4 feet apart) so that over time, we can leave some trees as the overstory, while coppicing (cutting to the ground) and pollarding (cutting above browse height) the less straight ones to provide longer-term fodder reserves for the sheep. Eventually we can harvest some posts and poles, as well.
What is the pest that attacks trees?
Brett Chedzoy / CCE. Black locust logs. The most common pest is the Locust borer ( Megacyllene robiniae) which most often attacks living, stressed trees, causing extensive damage to the quality of the wood. Identifying and removing infected trees can go a long way. It’s critical get to know the lifecycle of the pest.
Why are locust trees used?
The tree has been used to support nutrition in other crops, from grains to other trees. Research has shown increases in nitrogen in barley grain crops interplanted with locust, and black walnuts interplanted with locust as “nurse” trees were shown to rapidly increase their growth.
When do leaf miners attack trees?
Identifying and removing infected trees can go a long way. It’s critical get to know the lifecycle of the pest. The other is main pest is the leaf miner ( Odontota dorsalis ), which attacks the tree in spring, turning the leaves brown by mid-summer or early fall.
Is black locust good?
If anything, Black locust is almost too good at what is does. All theses attributes have resulted in an extraordinarily high demand; both sellers of locust poles and lumber, as well as those in the nursery trade at the meeting reported not even coming close to meeting the demand for their products. There is a lot of room in the market for more farmers to grow, harvest, and sell black locust products in many parts of the region.
Is locust an invasive tree?
While some have named it an “invasive” tree given its rapid growth and willingness to spread by seed and root suckering, others see these characteristics as advantageous, if only populations are properly managed to harness these qualities. Make no mistake, locust is not a tree to plant and walk away from.
How tall is a legume tree?
Fast-growing tree in the legume family, growing 30-90’ tall with a trunk 2-4’ in diameter. Forms multiple-stemmed clones and is slow to grow leaves in the spring. Seedlings and small branches have paired thorns. The bark is smooth and green on saplings, but dark with deep furrows on mature trees.
Do black locusts need to be treated?
All black locust stems in a clone must be treated for a chemical treatment to be effective.
How to grow black locust?from smallfarms.cornell.edu
The sheep initially prune the lower limbs for feed, and we prune thicker branches to use for tree stakes, to plant more trees! We plant very close together (3 – 4 feet apart) so that over time, we can leave some trees as the overstory, while coppicing (cutting to the ground) and pollarding (cutting above browse height) the less straight ones to provide longer-term fodder reserves for the sheep. Eventually we can harvest some posts and poles, as well.
Why is black locust important?from mbgna.umich.edu
Planted outside of its native range for hardwood lumber and fence posts, erosion control, reclaiming of mine soil, and as nectar for honeybees, it was noted in Michigan’s jack pine barrens by 1888, and in Washtenaw County by 1862. Because black locust fixes nitrogen in the soil and spreads clonally by suckers, it can form dense colonies ...
What is the pest that attacks trees?from smallfarms.cornell.edu
Brett Chedzoy / CCE. Black locust logs. The most common pest is the Locust borer ( Megacyllene robiniae) which most often attacks living, stressed trees, causing extensive damage to the quality of the wood. Identifying and removing infected trees can go a long way. It’s critical get to know the lifecycle of the pest.
Why are locust trees used?from smallfarms.cornell.edu
The tree has been used to support nutrition in other crops, from grains to other trees. Research has shown increases in nitrogen in barley grain crops interplanted with locust, and black walnuts interplanted with locust as “nurse” trees were shown to rapidly increase their growth.
How fast do sylvopasture trees grow?from smallfarms.cornell.edu
Because it fixes nitrogen from the atmosphere, the trees grow incredibly fast (3 – 4 feet in a season) and can quickly become windbreaks, shelterbelts, and shade and shelter for animals in silvopasture grazing systems.
How do black locusts reproduce?from mbgna.umich.edu
Black locust seed pods. Photo by L. Wallis. Since black locust reproduces by the double-whammy of prolific seed production and excessive root sprouts (vegetative reproduction by underground roots), it’s very difficult to control. Removal of sprouts through cutting and bulldozing generates new growth.
What is the most difficult invasive tree to eradicate?from mbgna.umich.edu
Black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia), also called false acacia or yellow locust, is one of the most difficult invasive trees to eradicate. Belonging to the Fabaceae or pea family, it is endemic to the southeastern United States, particularly parts of the Appalachians and Ozarks. Planted outside of its native range for hardwood lumber and fence posts, erosion control, reclaiming of mine soil, and as nectar for honeybees, it was noted in Michigan’s jack pine barrens by 1888, and in Washtenaw County by 1862. Because black locust fixes nitrogen in the soil and spreads clonally by suckers, it can form dense colonies that overshade and outcompete native species.
Where is black locust found?from en.wikipedia.org
Black locust is a major honey plant in the eastern US , and has been planted in European countries. In many European countries, it is the source of the renowned acacia honey. Flowering starts after 140 growing degree days.
What is a black locust tree?from gardenia.net
Fast-growing, Robinia pseudoacacia (Black Locust) is a spreading, suckering, deciduous tree boasting attractive compound leaves and pendulous racemes of scented pea-like flowers. The dark blue-green leaves comprise 5-11 pairs of oval leaflets, which turn yellow in the fall, before shedding to the ground. As the leaves fall, they reveal the beautiful, deeply furrowed rough bark. Dense, pendant clusters of fragrant white flowers, 8 in. long (20 cm), appear in late spring and early summer. Attractive to honeybees and hummingbirds, they are followed in fall by smooth, flat, purple-brown seed pods. Black Locust provides food and structural habitat for a variety of wildlife species. In its native range, Black lLocust provides nesting cavities for birds, including hairy woodpeckers, downy woodpeckers, northern flickers and red-bellied woodpeckers.
How tall do black locusts grow?from gardenia.net
Black Locust, Common Robinia, False Acacia, Bastard Acacia, Fragrant White Locust, Locust, Yellow Locust 1 Grows as a broadly columnar single trunk tree, with a narrow oblong crown, or in suckering thickets. Can reach 30-50 ft. in height (9-15 m) and 20-35 ft. in spread (6-10 m). This tree spreads by self-seeding and root suckers. Promptly remove suckers unless naturalization is desired. 2 Performs best in full sun in dry to medium, well-drained soils. Tolerates light shade and a wide range of soils, including poor dry soils or clay soils. Good drought tolerance once established. 3 A great tree for difficult areas where other trees will not grow well. However, use this tree with care. It is often considered an invasive species and a garden thug because it spreads very rapidly by root sprouts and by the copious seeds it produces. 4 Generally pest and disease free. Deer resistant 5 Pruning should be done in late summer or early fall to prevent bleeding; sucker removal if necessary, in fall. 6 Propagate by seed or from root cuttings or from suckers. 7 Robinia pseudoacacia is native to the Southern Appalachians, the Ozarks, and other portions of the Midsouth, but is considered an invasive species in the prairie and savanna regions of the Midwest where it can dominate and shade those open habitats. 8 Discover beautiful U.S. native plant alternatives. 9 All parts may cause severe discomfort if ingested
What causes black locust leaves to turn brown?from en.wikipedia.org
Locust leaf miner Odontota dorsalis attack s the tree in spring and turns the leaves brown by mid summer, it slows the growth of the tree but not seriously. The locust borer Megacyllene robiniae larvae carve tunnels into the trunk of the tree and make it more prone to being knocked down by the wind. Heart rot is the only significant disease affecting black locust. Black locust is also attacked by Chlorogenus robiniae, a virus which causes witch's broom growths, clear leaflet veins are a symptom of the disease.
How many chromosomes does a black locust have?from en.wikipedia.org
These colonies may form dense thickets which shade out competition. Black locust has been found to have either 2n=20 or 2n=22 chromosomes.
Why is pseudoacacia considered an excellent plant for growing in highly disturbed areas?from en.wikipedia.org
R. pseudoacacia is considered an excellent plant for growing in highly disturbed areas as an erosion control plant. The shallow, aggressive roots help hold onto the soil; the tree grows quickly and on poor soils due to its ability to fix nitrogen.
How long are black locust leaves?from plants.ces.ncsu.edu
It has pinnate dark blue-green leaves, 8 to 14 inches long, with each leaf having up to 23 lance-shaped to ovate leaflets. Leaves turn uneventful yellow in fall.
What is a black locust?
Taxonomy. The black locust is a plant from the subfamily of Faboideae in the family of legumes ( Fabaceae) and is a relative of the pea and bean. The black locust is commonly referred to as "false acacia" after its species name "pseudoacacia". Although it is not particularly closely related to the acacia which belongs to a subfamily ...
Where did the Locust tree come from?
The tree was identified in 1607 at Jamestown by British colonists, who used the timber to build houses. The tree was named for its resemblance to Ceratonia siliqua, known as the "Old World Locust". Jesuit missionaries apparently fancied that this was the tree that supported St. John in the wilderness, but it is native only to North America.
Why is pseudoacacia considered an excellent plant for growing in highly disturbed areas?
R. pseudoacacia is considered an excellent plant for growing in highly disturbed areas as an erosion control plant. The shallow, aggressive roots help hold onto the soil; the tree grows quickly and on poor soils due to its ability to fix nitrogen.
Why is black locust used for firewood?
Black locust is also planted for firewood because it grows rapidly, is highly resilient in a variety of soils, and it grows back rapidly from its stump after harvest by using the existing root system. (see coppicing )
Why is black locust important?
The mass application of fertilizers in agriculture and forestry is increasingly expensive ; therefore nitrogen-fixing tree and shrub species are gaining importance in managed forestry.
What color is the bark of a sage tree?
The bark is a reddish black and gray and tinged with red or orange in the grooves. It is deeply furrowed into grooves and ridges which run up and down the trunk and often cross and form diamond shapes.
Where is Robinia native to?
Jesuit missionaries apparently fancied that this was the tree that supported St. John in the wilderness, but it is native only to North America. It was introduced into Britain in 1636. Robinia is a native North American genus, but traces of it are found in the Eocene and Miocene rocks of Europe.
Where does black locust grow?
It has escaped cultivation and become naturalized throughout eastern North America and parts of the West.
What is the climate of black locust?
The native range of black locust is classified as humid, with two local areas of superhumid climate (43). The range includes the cool temperate moist forest, warm temperate montane moist forest, warm temperate montane wet forest, and warm temperate moist forest life zones (38).
How did black locust survival decrease?
On West Virginia spoil banks, black locust was the most successful species, but survival declined as slope increased. On slopes greater than 25 percent, each 10 percent increase in slope decreased survival 3.4 percent. On slopes steeper than 40 percent, growth was inversely related to slope steepness. Survival was about 80 percent at elevations of 340 to 670 m (1,100 to 2,200 ft). Above 670 m (2,200 ft), survival decreased steadily with increasing elevation and at 1330 m (4,350 ft) survival was less than 65 percent (7).
How long does it take for a black locust to grow?
During seedling development, the first leaf appears within a week after germination and is 8 to 10 cm (3 to 4 in) long after 2 months. The young stems are zig-zag, round to slightly angular, and in the latter half of the first year develop pairs of thorns from stipules at the base of leaf petioles (29). Black locust seedlings grow rapidly when planted on good sites and competition is sparse. Control of competition aids in the establishment and growth of seedlings because black locust is intolerant of shade and herbaceous competition. In plantations in the Tennessee Valley, it was a very site-exacting species and grew poorly on severely eroded sites (1). Average annual height growth of 5-year-old plantations ranged from 0.3 m (1.1 ft) on severely sheet-eroded sites to 0.8 m (2.6 ft) on sites with little or no erosion. In the Central States, annual height growth for the first 10 years averaged 0.5 m (1.5 ft) on below-average sites but was 1.2 m (4 ft) or more on good sites (37). Black locust can be established on poor and disturbed sites. It has been widely planted for erosion control along roadsides and for reclamation of surface mine spoil banks. Throughout the Eastern and Central States, reclamation plantings have been successful across a wide range of spoil bank conditions.
How long do black locust seeds last?
Dry seeds can be stored and retain their viability for as long as 10 years if placed in closed containers at 0° to 5° C (32° to 41° F). Because seed coats are impermeable, germination must be induced by scarification. Soaking in concentrated sulfuric acid, soaking in boiling or near-boiling water, and mechanical scarification have proved successful. Germination is epigeal (34).
What are the climatic conditions for black locusts?
January normal daily temperatures: maximum, 2° to 13° C (36° to 55° F); minimum, -7° to 2° C (20° to 36° F); average -4° to 7° C (25° to 45° F); August normal daily temperatures: maximum, 27° to 32° C (81° to 90° F); minimum , 13° to 21° C (5 5° to 70° F); average, 18° to 27° C (6 4° to 81° F); mean length of frost-free period, 150 to 210 days; normal annual total precipitation, 1020 to 1830 mm (40 to 72 in); mean annual total snowfall, 5 to 152 em (2 to 60 in). Black locust has been successfully introduced into many parts of the world where the climatic conditions are different from those of its native range.
Is black locust tolerant of shade?
Reaction to Competition- Black locust is very sensitive to competition and is classed as very intolerant of shade (44). It is found in closed forest stands only as a dominant tree. Reproduction is not successful until perturbations create openings in which black locust, because of its rapid juvenile growth, can compete successfully. In open areas, dense herbaceous growth often prevents seedling establishment (37). On spoil banks in Illinois, survival rate of planted black locust was 83 percent on sparsely vegetated sites but was only 31 percent on densely vegetated sites (5).
Where are black locusts native to?
They are also susceptible to locust borers. Black locust is native to the eastern and the southern parts of the United States. In Illinois, it is native only to the far southern edge of the state.
What is the texture of a dark gray bark?
The dark gray bark is deeply ridged and furrowed with a rough, scaly or ropy texture.
Do black locust trees have spines?
This fast-growing native tree can form colonies and has brittle wood. Sharp spines may be present, especially on sucker growth.
Do black locusts spread?
Care Knowledge. Black locusts have invasive traits that enable them to spread aggressively. While these trees have demonstrated invasive traits, there is insufficient supporting research to declare them so pervasive that they cannot be recommended for any planting sites. Review of the risks should be undertaken before selecting these trees ...
Is locust a pest?
Locust borer is a serious pest of black locust. The wood is weak and brittle making it subject to storm damage. This tree can sucker to the point of forming colonies. Black locust is resistant to black walnut toxicity.
