Black Locust Tree – Robinia pseudoacacia

The black locust tree for sale at Little Tree Farm is a hardy, fast-growing, nitrogen-fixing tree known for its resilience, soil-improving abilities, and extremely durable wood. This species thrives in Zones 3–9, making it suitable for nearly every region of Canada—from cold Prairie climates to warmer coastal areas.

---

Key Features

• Extremely fast-growing hardwood

• Nitrogen-fixing tree that enriches soil

• Highly rot-resistant wood (excellent for fence posts)

• Beautiful white, fragrant flowers

• Supports pollinators and beneficial insects

• Excellent for windbreaks, living fence lines, and erosion control

• Very drought-tolerant once established

---

Growth Habit & Mature Size

Black Locust is a vigorous pioneer species with a strong central trunk and upright branching.

Height: 40–70 ft (12–21 m)
Spread: 20–35 ft (6–10 m)
Growth Rate: Fast (2–4 ft per year under good conditions)
Lifespan: Long-lived hardwood with durable wood

The tree typically forms open, airy foliage with compound leaves and deeply furrowed bark as it matures.

---

Flowers, Wildlife Value & Pollination

In late spring to early summer, Black Locust produces clusters of white, highly fragrant, nectar-rich flowers.

• Attracts honeybees, native bees, and beneficial insects

• Used in high-quality honey production

• Flowers add ornamental interest and aromatic value

The tree also provides nesting habitat and cover for birds and small wildlife.

---

Wood Quality & Uses

Black Locust wood is famous for its durability and strength:

• One of the most rot-resistant woods in North America

• Ideal for fence posts, poles, timber, tool handles, outdoor structures

• Excellent fuelwood — burns hot and long

• Very strong wood for carpentry and rustic construction

Homesteaders and farmers value Black Locust as one of the best “utility trees” you can plant.

---

Growing Conditions

Black Locust is extremely adaptable:

• Hardy in Zones 3–9

• Thrives in full sun

• Tolerates poor soil, sandy soil, rocky slopes, and clay

• Drought-tolerant once established

• Performs exceptionally well on tough, degraded sites

• Strong wind tolerance — great for shelterbelts

Avoid overly wet or waterlogged soil.

---

Uses in Homesteads & Regenerative Agriculture

• Soil building (nitrogen fixer)

• Living fences and natural barriers

• Windbreaks and shelterbelts

• Erosion control on slopes

• Bee forage (excellent honey tree)

• Heat-efficient firewood

• Long-lasting posts with no chemical treatment

Black Locust is considered one of the most useful trees in permaculture systems.

---

What You’ll Receive

Your tree is shipped bare-root in early spring, ready for planting. Seedlings are vigorous, healthy, and grown to handle Canadian climates. Each plant is inspected before shipping to ensure strong roots and disease-free growth.

---

Planting & Care

• Plant in full sun for best growth

• Water deeply for the first season

• Mulch around the base to retain soil moisture

• Minimal pruning required

• Extremely low maintenance once established

Black Locust establishes quickly and loves open space with plenty of sunlight.

---

FAQs

Q: What zone is Black Locust hardy to?

Black Locust (Robinia pseudoacacia) is hardy in Zones 3–9, making it suitable for most regions of Canada.

Q: Is Black Locust good for fence posts?

Yes. The wood is exceptionally rot-resistant and can last decades in the ground without treatment.

Q: How fast does a Black Locust tree grow?

It grows 2–4 ft per year under good soil and sun conditions.

Q: Is Black Locust invasive?

It spreads by root suckers in some regions. Plant in spaces where spreading is acceptable, or mow around the base to control shoots.