One of my personal favorite trees. We will either solve all the world’s problems or not, and the whole time black locust will just keep on growing.
This pioneer species is great at getting established quickly on marginal lands. This is in part due to its ability to take much of the nitrogen it needs out of the air! This is called nitrogen fixation.
What Is Nitrogen Fixation?
Nitrogen fixation is essentially when a plant can convert atmospheric nitrogen into a form which can be used in the soil by plants.
Generally, if a plant can fix its own nitrogen, it can more easily become independent and live in more challenging contexts with lower fertility.
For such a fast growing tree, wood quality is exceptional. The wood of Black Locust is some of the hardest known. Coveted for its rot-resistance, it is used commonly for fence posts and other outdoor projects where pressure treated wood is not desirable.
The flowers are exceptional as well. They are sweet smelling white clusters which hang from the branches in spring. They are edible, delicious, and also highly attractive to bees. Great tree for beekeepers.
Great tree for silvopasture systems.
The seedlings for sale this year are from the improved Nyírségi selections from Hungary. Expect strong straight growth ideal for timber production.
Growth Parameters:
Plant in as much sun as possible. Full size tree. Can be planted in marginal soils. Can be cut to ground to harvest wood but expect the roots to send up many shoots in response.
Growth for black locust is rapid. Expect to measure growth in feet, not inches.
