Black Locust

Robinia pseudoacacia

Discover the Black Locust!

Did you know that the Black Locust ( Robinia pseudoacacia ) is a fast-growing and resilient tree, often used to stabilize soils and enrich their fertility thanks to its ability to fix nitrogen? Native to North America, it is now appreciated as an ornamental tree in temperate climates and is therefore very suitable for indoor Bonsai cultivation.

Germination:
Seeds should be soaked in warm water for 24 hours before planting. The warmest tap water will do. No cold stratification is required. Once planted 1-2cm deep in well-drained soil, they will usually germinate in 1-3 weeks in indirect light and high humidity.

Care instructions:
Black Locust prefers full sun or suitable plant grow lights and adapts to a wide variety of soils, including poor or sandy soils. Once established, it is drought tolerant, but appreciates moderate watering in its first year. This tree tolerates pruning, which helps control its shape or remove dead branches.

Life expectancy and characteristics of the tree:
This hardwood tree produces beautiful clusters of fragrant white flowers in the spring, attracting bees and other pollinators if placed outdoors. It lives on average 90 years but there are some that are over 200 years old in North America.