Quick answer: Black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia) is native to 12 states. What's commonly sold under this name is the true wild species. It's typically seeds, verified 15 Sep 2026.
Photo: Pollinator at English Wikipedia, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Where it's native
Listed in the directory as native to these states. Click a state for its full native-plant guide.
Growing conditions
From the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Native Plant Database.
| Sun | Sun |
|---|---|
| Water | Medium water, Dry-Moist |
| Soil | Moist, rich to dry, rocky soils |
| Bloom | Bloom Apr-Jun |
| Height | 30-50 ft, up to 70 ft |
| Wildlife value | Favorite of honeybees and hummingbirds, attracts butterflies/birds, special value to native bees |
Naturalizes easily and considered an invasive weed in many non-native areas; brittle branches, thorns, rampant root sprouts, copious seeding make it a garden thug
Buying it
Sold true to the wild species as of the last check (15 Sep 2026), via Amazon.
Sold as: Seeds via Amazon · listing verified 15 Sep 2026
See where to buy →Quick answers about Black locust
Where is Black locust native?
Black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia) is native to 12 states across the Northeast, Midwest and South. Check your state's page in this directory for the full list of plants native where you live.
When does Black locust bloom?
Black locust blooms Apr-Jun. Exact timing shifts a few weeks with latitude and elevation.
What growing conditions does Black locust need?
Light: Sun. Water: Medium water, Dry-Moist. Soil: Moist, rich to dry, rocky soils. Mature height: 30-50 ft, up to 70 ft.
Is Black locust good for pollinators and wildlife?
Yes. Wildlife value: Favorite of honeybees and hummingbirds, attracts butterflies/birds, special value to native bees.
Is Black locust deer-resistant or drought-tolerant?
Black locust is drought-tolerant.
Where can I buy real Black locust seed or plants?
We found a listing sold as seeds that names the true species, last checked 15 Sep 2026. Look for the scientific name Robinia pseudoacacia on any listing.
Similar native plants
Native plants that share growing conditions or range with Black locust.
- Sassafras Sassafras albidum
- Shortleaf pine Pinus echinata
- Flame azalea Rhododendron calendulaceum
- Blackjack oak Quercus marilandica
- Maypop passionflower Passiflora incarnata
- Sweet birch Betula lenta
Also listed under
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