Black Locust Black locust is hard wooded, grows best in a sunny location and tolerates any soil that isn't swampy. This hardy tree is a legume and grows 30 to 40 feet tall and spreads 20 to 35 feet. The tree has a suckering root system and forms thickets if not controlled.
Black locust transplants well, has a rapid growth rate and casts little shade.
The fragrant, white flowers appear after the leaves and are borne in drooping racemes. The fruit is a brown pod and the bark is coarse and fissured. This information is for educational purposes only. References to commercial products or trade names does not imply endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned. This information becomes public property upon publication and may be printed verbatim with credit to MSU Extension.