Latin Name: Robinia Pseudoacacia

Two types of Locust trees are found on the East Coast: Black and Honey Locust. The Black is the more common in the Northeast; the Honey Locust in the South.

These nitrogen fixing trees tend to live in groves which exclude the growth of other plants beneath them (except grass). They sprout from the roots, and thus all of the trees in a grove are interconnected as if one organism. This characteristic they share with Redwood trees. Locust also produces seeds (in conspicuous long pods), allowing a method of propagation over long distances (via birds).

The wood of the locust is rarely seen in lumber yards because the trees are small and the groves isolated. It is remarkable how the working characteristics of Locust resemble the American Elm, that is the wood is stringy and tough, and the pores tend to form a herringbone pattern. I think the only difference is the color. Locust has a wonderful green color in the heartwood which comprises most of the lumber. The thin sapwood is a light cream color and is usually discarded. This green hue gradually turns to a rich golden-brown with age.

One of the most remarkable qualities of locust wood is its durability when exposed to the ground. It has excellent service as fence posts or any other structure which must be used outside at ground level.

Jon Siegel