Locust Seeds, Black
(Robinia pseudoacacia) Perennial. Zones 4-8.
Black Locust is a stately, native tree; reaching 100 feet and offering incredibly beautiful, fragrant white flowers in early Summer. The bark of older trees, is richly textured, with a braided look.
The wood of Black Locust’s wood is extremely hard and rot resistant. It also grows very fast and does well as a coppice, making a great specimen for making hand tools, fence posts, etc. For firewood, this dense wood burns HOT!
Young wood is spiny and trees will live 60-100 years.
Leaves, inner bark and seeds are toxic, but when prepared in the right way, Black Locust can be used to make medicines.
The flowers, however, are edible and are used to make a variety of delightful things, like jelly, wine and Beignets d'Acacia; flowers are battered and fried to make a sweet, crisp and delectable dessert.
** A special thanks to a customer, and her late French mother-in-law, for suggesting the Beignets d'Acacia. I can't wait to try them in the Spring! This kind of once a year, seasonal treat is sooooooo special!
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Cold Hardiness: Zones 4 -8
Edible: Only the flowers! Other parts are toxic.
Size: Large Tree
Growth Rate: Fast
Nitrogen Fixer: Yes
Native Plant: Yes
Germination: 90%
Sun Requirements: Full Sun - Partial Shade
Soil Preference: Loamy, consistently moist, but tolerates wide range of soil types. Is tolerant of Juglone produced from trees in the Walnut family.
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GROWING INSTRUCTIONS
- Soak seeds 24 hrs, beginning with hot water, then letting them cool to room temperature.
- Plant soaked seeds in pots using standard potting soil or in nursery beds. Heat mats are NOT required & can hinder germination!
- Protect young tree seedlings from slugs, cutworms & rodents. Slugs especially can eat primary leaves as soon as they come up, so be vigilant!
For more information on growing trees from seed, read our article How To Stratify Tree Seeds.
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Available direct from Incredible Seeds, a Canadian Heirloom and Heritage Seed Company, offering only the best natural, non-GMO, open pollinated and untreated seeds, located in Mi'kma'ki / Nova Scotia.
