What they do
Locusts provide a big flush of spring flowers that many pollinators visit, plus shade and structure in the landscape.
Plant profile
Locusts
Genus Robinia
Locusts (Robinia) are tough, fast-growing trees best known for their fragrant spring flower clusters that can be a busy stop for pollinators. They’re useful where you need a hardy tree, but they can also spread and send up shoots, so choose the right spot and manage them early.
Plant Type
Trees > Locusts
Aliases
Black locust
Native Range
Some species in the genus Robinia are native to parts of North America; others are widely planted and may be naturalized in many regions.
Bloom window
Spring to early summer (varies by species and site)
OVERVIEW
About This Plant
Locusts (genus Robinia) are flowering trees that can bring a noticeable wave of spring blooms to a yard. When they’re in flower, the hanging clusters can be full of activity from visiting insects.
Because locusts can be vigorous, they’re best treated as a “right tree, right place” choice. Give them space, expect fast growth, and plan for routine check-ins so shoots and seedlings don’t end up where you don’t want them.
If you’re building a pollinator-friendly garden, think of locusts as a canopy layer: they can add flowers above your perennials and shrubs. Pair them with a long season of blooms below—spring wildflowers, summer nectar plants, and fall asters and goldenrods—so pollinators can find food across the growing season.
Best role for pollinators
Hardy shade and spring bloom in larger spaces where you can manage spreading shootsFAST FACTS
Quick Details
Essential stats and requirements for quick reference.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Black locust |
| Bloom window | Spring to early summer (varies by species and site) |
| Typical height | Medium to tall tree (varies by species and site) |
| Pollinators supported | Bees, Butterflies |
| Light & moisture | Best in sun; tolerates a range of soils once established. |
| Best roles for pollinators | Hardy shade and spring bloom in larger spaces where you can manage spreading shoots |
SUMMARY
If You Remember Three Things
A quick scan of what they do, what they need, and the best first step.
What they need
A sunny spot with room to grow and a plan to manage shoots and volunteers.
One best action
Choose a planting location where spreading shoots won’t be a problem, and remove unwanted shoots early.
IMPACT
Why Plant This?
Locusts can add a lot of spring bloom and pollinator activity at tree height, but they’re best used where you have space and can keep unwanted shoots in check.
Locust flowers have a classic “pea-flower” shape, which is a clue they’re in the legume family.
Key Impacts
What it Supports
- Tree-sized blooms can offer lots of flowers in a small footprint of ground space.
- Early-season flowering can help bridge the gap between spring bulbs and summer perennials.
- A sturdy, adaptable tree can help green up tough sites when matched to the right location.
RECOGNITION
Identification Guide
Use these quick clues to recognize locusts (genus Robinia) in bloom and beyond.
Leaves
Compound leaves with multiple small, oval leaflets arranged along a central stem.
Flowers
Hanging clusters of pea-like flowers, often white or pale pink, usually fragrant.
Fruits
Flat, bean-like pods that develop after flowering.
LOCATION
Where It Grows
Native environments and the best spots to place it in your landscape.
Habitats
- Open woods and edges
- Sunny slopes and disturbed areas
- Roadsides and field margins (where naturalized)
Where it is often used
- Flowering shade tree for larger yards
- Tough-site tree where other trees struggle (with management)
- Pollinator-friendly spring bloom in a mixed habitat garden
SEASONALITY
When It Blooms
Notes on bloom windows and how this plant helps pollinators across the seasons.
Bloom window
Locusts typically bloom in late spring into early summer, depending on the species and local conditions.
Bloom Season Role: A spring-to-early-summer burst of nectar and pollen when many gardens are ramping up.
Seasonal benefits
- Adds a noticeable wave of flowers between early spring and peak summer bloom
- Can complement early perennials and shrubs by adding height and canopy-level flowers
REQUIREMENTS
What It Needs
The right mix of sun, soil, and space for healthy growth.
Sun exposure
Plant in a sunny spot for best flowering; some types tolerate light shade.
Soil type
Adaptable to many soils; avoid constantly soggy ground.
Moisture needs
Water regularly during establishment; after that, water during long dry spells.
Planting method
Give it room away from small garden beds and hardscapes, and plan for future size and root shoots.
Mulching tips
Mulch lightly around the base (not against the trunk) to reduce weeds and help soil hold moisture.
GARDENING GUIDE
How to Grow It
Simple steps to plant, prune, and maintain healthy trees without pesticides.
Planting tips
- Pick a sunny location with plenty of space away from patios, fences, and small beds.
- Dig a hole as deep as the root ball and wider than it.
- Set the tree so the top of the root ball sits level with the surrounding soil.
- Backfill, firm gently, and water well to settle the soil.
- Mulch in a wide ring, keeping mulch off the trunk.
Seasonal care
- Water during the first growing season and during extended dry periods.
- Prune for structure when young; remove dead or crossing branches as needed.
- Watch for root suckers and remove unwanted shoots early by cutting them at the base.
- If seedlings appear, pull them when small (after rain is easiest).
- Use gloves and care when working around thorny branches.
What not to do
- Planting a locust in a small yard without thinking about spreading shoots.
- Trying to “solve” unwanted shoots with sprays.
- Pruning without protection and getting scratched by thorns.
Pairings
Best Pairings for Season-Long Bloom
Pairing ideas to keep pollinators fed throughout the growing season.
Early Bloom
- Wild columbine (*Aquilegia canadensis*)
- Golden alexanders (*Zizia aurea*)
Mid-Season Bloom
- Bee balm (*Monarda* spp.)
- Purple coneflower (*Echinacea purpurea*)
Late-Season Bloom
- New England aster (*Symphyotrichum novae-angliae*)
- Goldenrods (*Solidago* spp.)
Some locusts can spread aggressively in certain areas. Before planting, check local guidance and choose a species or cultivar that fits your site and community goals.
GLOSSARY
Key Terms
A few quick terms you might see when reading about locusts and other flowering trees:
Glossary terms are being added.
What You Can Do
Make a difference for native habitats.
Turn this knowledge into action. Whether you plant a single pot or a whole garden, you are building a vital bridge for local biodiversity.
Join the movement to restore our shared habitats.