Home and Landscape
Locust
- Locust, black locust—Robinia spp.*
- Family Fabaceae (Pea family)
Plant identification
Locusts are fast-growing deciduous trees and shrubs. Leaves are divided into many rounded leaflets. Sweet pea-shaped flowers bloom in clusters from spring to early summer. Flowers are white or pink. Beanlike pods form after bloom. Locust leaves, seeds, and bark are poisonous if ingested. Trees have aggressive roots and often spread by suckers.
*Some species of Robinia are invasive weeds. Other types of plants may be better choices when planting.
Optimum conditions for growth
Locusts are good street trees if not planted near power lines or in narrow spaces. They do best in areas with full sun. They can tolerate poor soil and can survive on little or no water.
