Black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia)

Black locust belongs to the family of legumes. It is native to North America where can grow more than 30m high.

Leaves intense green, pinnate. Young shoots and branches have spines, older branches and trunks are covered with grey burrowed bark.

Blooms in June, hanging clumps of greenish-white flowers are up to 20cm long.

Young trees should be covered for winter, both against frost and to keep hares away. Older trees are hardy.

Produces lots of suckers.

Requires full sun and sandy, light soil.