Robinia pseudoacacia (Black Locust)

Common Name: Black Locust, False Acacia

Robinia pseudoacacia, commonly known as Black Locust or False Acacia, is a medium-sized hardwood deciduous tree, belonging to the tribe Robinieae of the legume family Fabaceae. It is native to a few small areas of the United States, but it has been widely planted and naturalized elsewhere in temperate North America, Europe (it was introduced to Britain in about 1636), Southern Africa and Asia and is considered an invasive species in some areas.

One of its common names is false acacia, a literal translation of the specific name pseudo meaning fake or false and acacia referring to the genus of plants with the same name.

It is a vigorous, deciduous tree that is used as a honey plant in many parts of the world due to the white, fragranced, pea-like flowers containing lots of nectar. The Black Locust has acacia-ike composite leaves and deeply textured, fissured bark. Twigs are generally smooth or finely hairy, but often armed with a pair of sharp spines at each leaf or leaf scar (see photo 4 above). Black locust flowers in late April to early June depending on location.

https://www.uknature.co.uk is a website dedicated to showing the immense diversity of UK nature and wildlife. Our vast range of habitats, from lowland arable to snow covered mountains, from storm-ravaged coastlines to peaceful inland freshwater lakes and rivers, from dry, sandy heaths to deciduous and coniferous forests, all these habitats contribute to the abundance of UK nature. We have wild birds in huge numbers either residing or visiting our shores (597 recorded species as at July 2013) and we must also not forget the humble back garden with its grass lawns, flower beds filled with nectar rich flowers, shrubs and trees, all designed to attract huge numbers of insects such as bees, moths, butterflies and hoverflies; and finally the small ponds which provide safe havens for frogs, toads, newts and even slow worms and grass snakes. www.uknature.co.uk is the showcase for my personal passion, photographing uknature in all its glory. I sincerely hope you all enjoy the fruits of my labours.