T r e e s  o f  N o r t h  C a r o l i n a

Robinia L. (Fabaceae)

A genus of five to eight species of shrubs and trees; e. and sw. North America. The southern Appalachians are a center of diversity of Robinia, with active hybridization, introgression, and formation of local (sterile) races involved; a fully satisfying taxonomic treatment of such a situation is not possible.

One species in North Carolina reaches tree size: Robinia pseudoacacia (Black locust). It is native to the state.

Bark of Robinia pseudoacacia
Bark of Robinia pseudoacacia (Copyright W. Cook)
expand/contract button Spines on Robinia pseudoacacia
Spines on Robinia pseudoacacia (Copyright W. Cook)
expand/contract button Leaves and flowers of Robinia pseudoacacia
Leaves and flowers of Robinia pseudoacacia (Copyright W. Cook)
expand/contract button Flowers of Robinia pseudoacacia
Flowers of Robinia pseudoacacia (Copyright W. Cook)
expand/contract button Leaves and fruit of Robinia pseudoacacia
Fruit and seeds of Robinia pseudoacacia (Photo: A. Krings, CC BY-NC-SA 3.0)
expand/contract button N.C. distribution of Robinia pseudoacacia
N.C. distribution of Robinia pseudoacacia
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Robinia pseudoacacia (Black locust)
(Common; forests, woodlands, disturbed areas, roadcuts; Mt, Pd, CP; Fl: Apr-Jun, Fr: Jul-Nov)