Robinia pseudoacacia

{
  "id": "MLC-T-ENV-024456",
  "term": "Robinia pseudoacacia",
  "field": "Environment",
  "definition": "Black locust is a fast growing tree that can reach 40 to 100 feet in height at maturity. While the bark of young saplings is smooth and green, mature trees can be distinguished by bark that is dark brown and deeply furrowed, with flat-topped ridges. Seedlings and sprouts grow rapidly and are easily identified by long paired thorns. Leaves of black locust alternate along stems and are composed of seven to twenty one smaller leaf segments called leaflets. Leaflets are oval to rounded in outline, dark green above and pale beneath. Fragrant white flowers appear in drooping clusters in May and June and have a yellow blotch on the uppermost petal. Fruit pods are smooth, 2 to 4 inches long, and contain 4 to 8 seeds. Two other locusts native to the Appalachians, Robinia viscosa (with pink flowers), and Robinia hispida (with rose-purple flowers), are used in cultivation and may share black locust’s invasive tendencies.",
  "references": [
    "National Park Service Plant Conservation Alliance at http://www.nps.gov/plants/alien/fact/rops1.htm"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/environment/robinia-pseudoacacia/"
}