The Black Locust inner bark, roots, and twigs are poisonous to livestock, especially horses, and can be fatal. The seed is poisonous to humans.

What does a locust plant look like?

They are highly fragrant and are usually white, though some cultivars of the black locust tree can produce flowers in shades of pink and purple. The leaves of the tree are oval and typically a blue-green color, though this does vary between cultivars.

Where do locust trees grow?

Plant black locust trees in a location with full sun or light shade. It prefers loose soil that is moist but well-drained, although it adapts to most soil types. Water the tree often enough to keep the soil moist during its first growing season.

Do locust thorns have poison in them?

Although being scratched by the tree isn’t poisonous, because it’s only toxic if eaten, those sharp barbs can certainly hurt. A young child at eye level to a black locust tree canopy could get poked in the eye. The thorns don’t grow along the trunk, so this is mostly problematic with young trees.

How can you tell a black locust from a honey locust?

Bark and Thorns: The black locust tree has bark of a dark color with a pattern of furrows that look like rope that’s intertwined. Honey locust trees, on the other hand, can have brown or gray bark, and you’ll see clusters of red-brown thorns among the branches or single thorns lining each stem.

Is honey locust invasive?

The common honey locust, or thorny locust (Gleditsia triacanthos), of North America is a popular ornamental plant, though it is an aggressive invasive species in some areas outside its native range. …

Are locust trees worth money?

Black Locust wood contains natural organic compounds that resist rot for 100 years or more, which makes these trees an extremely valuable and environmentally friendly tree. It is the perfect wood for fence and deck posts.

Are honey locust tree roots invasive?

Like many other trees with invasive roots, honey locust suckers grow freely from roots, sending up potential new trees that must be dealt with. Those roots can also pose problems with underground pipes. See our 10 tips for landscaping around trees.