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)
Spines on Robinia pseudoacacia
Spines on Robinia pseudoacacia (Copyright W. Cook)
Leaves and flowers of Robinia pseudoacacia
Leaves and flowers of Robinia pseudoacacia (Copyright W. Cook)
Flowers of Robinia pseudoacacia
Flowers of Robinia pseudoacacia (Copyright W. Cook)
Leaves and fruit of Robinia pseudoacacia
Fruit and seeds of Robinia pseudoacacia (Photo: A. Krings, CC BY-NC-SA 3.0)
N.C. distribution of Robinia pseudoacacia
N.C. distribution of Robinia pseudoacacia

Robinia pseudoacacia (Black locust)
(Common; forests, woodlands, disturbed areas, roadcuts; Mt, Pd, CP; Fl: Apr-Jun, Fr: Jul-Nov)