Robinia pseudoacacia, Black Locust is a tree that can grow from 40-100 feet, and blooms long wisteria-like white flowers in pendant racemes (to 8” long) in late spring for 7-10 days.  Mature trees spread by self-seeding and root suckers.  Young trees are often spiny, especially on root suckers and branches near the ground; mature trees often lack spines.  Grow in average, dry to medium, well-drained soils in full sun. Tolerates some light shade, but avoid shady locations. Tolerates a wide range of soils including sandy or nearly barren ones, and drought tolerant once established. The roots of black locust contain nodules that allow it to fix nitrogen, as is common within the pea family, helping to enrich the soils it grows in. 
 
Occurs in the mountains of NC.  Click to see its range in North Carolina 
 
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