Table of Contents
- Edible Uses of Black Locust
- Medicinal Uses of Black Locust
- Alternative Uses of False Acacia
- Growing Robinia Pseudoacacia
Black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia) is the most common locust tree in Ontario by far, although you may find a couple other species. When Haliburton Flora was compiled, they only found two of these on the west side of the county. It’s one of the thorny trees, although not as large of thorns as its relation honey locust. These are pea-family trees. It may be surprising that there are trees in the pea family, but the leaves and flowers sure look it!
It’s not native to Haliburton area, or Ontario for that matter. The native range of black locust is down south in the Appalachians. Not close enough to qualify as “near native” really, but for some it’s nearish-enough native? It really depends on the area. Between there and here, it’s been a very aggressive invasive plant in Midwest pastures. But way up here in Haliburton, the shade of our forests should keep it from being as invasive.

Edible Uses of Black Locust
When the fragrant flowers look like cracked eggs, with a bright yellow spot in the middle, they are good to eat. You’ll want to harvest the flowers before that spot fades or the flower starts to wilt. You can also eat the flowers just before they open. They can be eaten raw or cooked in any dish imaginable. The taste is like a vanilla sweet pea.
Later in the summer the beans inside the green pods are edible, but it’s work shelling and cooking them first. You can boil the dried seeds later in the season, but they are tough. Some folks do eat the whole young tender pod.
Where it’s native, it’s a popular honey bee plant, although sporadic for production.
Medicinal Uses of Black Locust
Black locust is primarily said to support these body systems:
- Muscular
- Nervous
Medicinal tags include Antispasmodic, Emetic and Purgative. See Medicinal tag key for more information.
Common usage is the flowers and essential oil used to relax nerves and muscles. Most other parts are considered poisonous and can cause vomiting.
Alternative Uses of False Acacia
The wood has been used for poisonous arrows.
Growing Robinia Pseudoacacia
Unfortunately, black locust isn’t native to our area and it can be aggressive in cleared locations like pastures and lawns. It also throws sparks when burned, which in my mind makes it more suitable to its native deciduous forests hundreds of miles south of us that aren’t full of giant candlesticks/ flammable evergreens as ours are. (Not that it would make much difference, if it’s burning down it’s burning down.) Down south in mining country, they used this species for quick reforestation. Below in REFERENCES is a link to the best management practices for black locust in Ontario if it’s taking over your space.
But as previously stated, black locust has its fans in Ontario. Some do consider it near native enough and appreciate the massive amounts of nectar it produces to feed pollinators.
Native alternatives for Ontario include close relatives honey locust (Gleditsia triacanthos – which will be covered here next year!), Kentucky coffee tree (Gymnocladus dioicus) and the less related prickly ash (Zanthoxylum americanum); all which look quite like it.
WARNINGS
There are toxins in the bark, leaves, wood and uncooked seeds.
And the Usual Cautions:
1) Most medicinal herbs, if edible, are meant to be eaten in moderation, even sparingly. Some require extra preparation. Tannins are toxic if consumed in excess. Before taking any new supplements, you should consult with a healthcare professional.
2) A vast amount of these herbs are diuretic. (See the Medicinal tags above to check if this featured herb is one of them!) Diuretics are generally safe, but they can be risky for people with other medical conditions or who take certain medications. Please consult your doctor if you have any health conditions.
3) People can be allergic or sensitive to nearly any plant; try new herbs one at a time at your own risk. For instance, saponins commonly cause stomach upset.
4) For serious medicinal use, I must recommend receiving a diagnosis and working with a reputed health care provider. I generally do not post specific treatments and dosages because I think that is best between you and your health care provider, and ideally monitored.
5) Anyone pregnant, nursing, or taking prescription drugs should talk to a health care professional before adding new food items to their diet.
6) Many plants have look-a-likes, and sometimes they are poisonous.
#ads in References
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Every book I reference that is available on Amazon is linked to with an associates link.
REFERENCES
My new favourite foraging book is Sam Thayer’s Field Guide to Edible Wild Plants: of Eastern and Central North America (The Sam Thayer’s Field Guides) Paperback – June 1, 2023 and this plant IS featured as one of the edible wild plants in this area. I highly recommend this guide for your bookshelves!
https://www.ontarioinvasiveplants.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Black_Locust_BMP.pdf
https://data.canadensys.net/vascan/taxon/5897
Illustrated Encyclopedia of Herbs
The Forager’s Harvest: A Guide to Identifying, Harvesting, and Preparing Edible Wild Plants