Black locust

Fun Facts

• Its flowers are used to flavour teas and syrups or eaten deep-fried in batter.

• It is also called "False Acacia" because of its similar leaves and spines. A mix-up is almost impossible, however, as acacias only grow in a few places in Central Europe with a particularly mild climate.

• The black locust is an invasive plant and often combatted in the interest of nature conservation. Scientists differ in their assessment of the level of this plant’s threat to the biodiversity of indigenous plants and the extent to which it should be combatted in urban settings.

• It flowers from May to June.

• The fruit ripening season is in September to October.

• It can also reproduce through root suckers (vegetative reproduction).

• Endangerment level Germany: not evaluated

• Black locust originates from North America. The species was introduced to Europe in the early 17th century and spread widely thanks to conditions favourable to its requirements. It is a non-native plant (neophyte).

• The genus name "Robinia" refers to the court gardener at the French royal court Jean Robin.

• The entire plant with the exception of the flowers is highly poisonous. The bark and fruits are particularly poisonous. Its pollen is allergenic. In spring, it is an important supplier of “acacia” honey.