by Kim Brockman

Created on: August 19, 2010

Black locust trees are recognized by their compound leaves and pairs of spines where each leaf grows from the stem.  Their fragrant white flowers in early summer are prized by North American beekeepers as nectar for honeybees.   They produce an excellent hardwood and are harvested to make wooden fence posts.  Black locust trees love a humid climate.  This prolific tree grows quickly and is sometimes used in reforestation efforts.  It can reach heights of 100 feet, but is often smaller.  It creates 4-inch legumes containing poisonous seeds.  Children have been known to be poisoned by chewing the extensive roots and inner bark.

Propagation

Although the trees produce an abundance of seeds, natural germination is uncommon because of the unusually tough seed coatings.  Natural reproduction usually occurs by root suckering and stump sprouting.  In fact, their root shoots are so extensive, that it is often difficult to control these trees in the wild.

Propagation By Seed – Black locust trees begin seed production at about six years.  Seedpods are produced September through April.  They are ripe when these pods become brown and dry.  If they split easily, the seeds inside are ready for planting.  The seeds can be planted right away, but can be kept fresh in the refrigerator in an airtight bag or container for a few years if needed.

Put the seeds in hot water and let them soak there for a full day.  Select containers for your plantings that have superior drainage.  Use a lightweight potting mix containing organic ingredients like peat moss.  Plant seeds about 1 inch deep.  Of course, water thoroughly immediately after planting, and continue to keep the soil moist being careful not to overwater. 

Put your container in full to partial sunlight once it germinates.  It can be transplanted to its permanent location once its root system is well-established in the pot.  This should be approximately four months from germination.

Propagation By Cutting – The natural ability of the black locust tree to reproduce via its root shoots can be taken advantage of, if you have access to a mature, dormant tree in early spring.  Dig around the root until you find where it divides into two smaller shoots.  Find one that is about a half an inch thick, and expose it to its end for easy cutting.  Cut them flat on the far side from the trunk where it is too thin

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