Black Locust

The Black Locust is a Non-native, sometimes regarded as an invasive tree. 
== AKA ==
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-- Locust, Common Locust, False Acacia.
== Description ==
These trees are rather tall and narrow, however in open areas, they can get as large as other trees like maples and oaks. Black locust is a non-native to Connecticut, but it IS native to the US. While this is true, this tree can also be deemed Invasive in minimally controlled areas such as fields, or run down buildings and lots. They grow quite fast, possibly putting on 2-4' per year when young. They slow down with age. 
Their pretty easy to point out from their furrowed bark and white fragrant flowers. Some trees, the flowers smell like citrus. They will flower in May or early June. These flowers will turn into many seed pods, each having 4-7 seeds, that linger into February, before falling in the gusty March Winds. Many seeds don't germinate in controlled areas, but the seeds may be viable for a few years. Its compound leaves may make it look like a tropical plant, but its hardy to Zone 4. When controlled, these trees make great landscape plants. However some twigs and small branches may drop in storms, as the wood isn't very strong. 
Black Locust is a colonizer, meaning it can create a very dense group or grove of trees. Especially when cut, they will grow back via root sprouts and coppicing. Here in Norwich, we had a grove of over 100 trees. that was several hundred feet long. There used to be 4 bigger trees there. I believe all the sprouts came up via seeds, root growth, and stump coppicing. 
== Attributes ==
Lives- 50-100 years on Average. 
30-70' tall. Usually a narrow crown. 
Flowers in May or Early June - Fragrent
Leaves drop late, in November, or even into early December.
Seed pods persist through Winter.
Medium Weak Wood
Moderate Invasive Potential
Category:Trees and Shrubs
Category:Nature