Robinia pseudoacacia

Black Locust

The black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia) is a deciduous tree of the legume family. It originates from eastern North America, but has now spread to many parts of the world. The robinia usually reaches heights of 12 to 20 metres, but can grow up to 30 metres in favourable conditions. The tree is characterised by its hardiness and ability to spread quickly and is known for its adaptability to different soil conditions. The black locust has alternate, pinnate leaves and butterfly-shaped, fragrant white flowers that are arranged in racemes. In autumn the tree produces black-brown legumes. The bark is deeply grooved and has a dark, grey-brown colour that takes on a gnarled texture with age.

Types of damage

Ecological damage

Black locust grows quickly and can form a dense undergrowth that screens the light for plants below. As a legume, it is one of the plants that can fix nitrogen. This leads to an accumulation of nitrogen in the soil, which alters the soil chemistry and can be detrimental to native plants that are adapted to nitrogen-poorer soils. Threats to native flora arise particularly in dry and sandy grassland communities and in dry forests.

Damage to health

The bark and fruits of the black locust are highly poisonous. Especially the seeds contain toxic compounds that can cause health problems if ingested.

Region of origin

North America

Introduction vectors

Horticulture

The black locust was originally planted as an ornamental tree in parks and gardens because of its attractive flowers.

Forestry

The black locust was also used in forestry from the end of the 18th century, as its ability to fix nitrogen makes it well suited to nutrient-poor sites.

Current distribution

Based on the FlorKart Database of the Federal Agency for Nature Conservation, as of 2013

Miscellaneous

Family

The legumes (Fabaceae) are one of the largest plant families with over 730 genera and about 19,400 species. Typical of this family is the legume, which opens at maturity to release the seeds. It includes annual and perennial herbaceous plants as well as shrubs, trees and lianas. Some species have the ability to fix nitrogen from the atmosphere, which makes them important plants in agriculture and soil improvement. Well-known representatives are peas, beans, lentils, soy and peanuts, but also ornamental plants such as wisteria and laburnum.

Climate change

Robinia pseudoacacia has already filled its potentially suitable habitat under current climate conditions. It does not benefit from climate change because in the future its potentially suitable habitat will become smaller. The environmental factors that most influence its spread are soil type, summer temperature, spring temperature, road infrastructure and autumn precipitation.

Positive effects

The wood of the black locust is considered a suitable substitute for tropical woods. It is also used in shipbuilding and furniture making and is well suited for the production of garden furniture due to its resilience. The blossoms also provide a lot of nectar; "acacia honey" is obtained from them.
Dispersion forecast

Indicates the proportion of land suitable for habitat under current and future climate conditions (2060-2080) under three emission scenarios (RCP26, RCP45 & RCP85).

Habitat suitability maps

Instructions for use: Click here

Habitat suitability under current climate conditions

These habitat suitability maps show for Robinia pseudoacacia where suitable habitat conditions exist.

The map on the left shows this for current climate conditions. Below this are maps for the time classes 2040-2060 and 2061-2080, in which three different emission scenarios can be selected.

The slider at the top left allows you to adjust the opacity of the map to make orientation easier.

By clicking on the respective quadrant, information on the environmental conditions present in it can be called up.

The methodology is explained here .

Habitat suitability 2040 - 2060

2040-2060: In the RCP2.6 scenario, GHG emissions are expected to peak by 2040 through comprehensive mitigation measures and to decline rapidly thereafter. By 2060, global warming would stabilise at about 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. Subtle changes in precipitation patterns could vary regionally, with some areas facing increased drought and others increased precipitation.

2040-2060: Under RCP4.5, GHG emissions would continue to increase until 2040, but stabilise at a high level thereafter. By 2060, there could be a global temperature increase of about 2°C above pre-industrial levels. This scenario would likely cause moderate changes in precipitation patterns, with potential regional differences.

2040-2060: Under RCP8.5, which assumes continued intensive use of fossil fuels, greenhouse gas emissions would rise sharply by 2060. The global temperature increase could be around 2.5-3°C. In this scenario, significant changes in precipitation patterns could occur, with an increased likelihood of extreme weather events.

Habitat suitability 2061 - 2080

2060-2080: By 2080, global warming could be limited to below 2°C in the RCP2.6 scenario, provided emission reductions are consistently pursued. Impacts on precipitation patterns would likely stabilise, although regional variance would remain significant.

2060-2080: In the RCP4.5 scenario, global temperatures would continue to increase and could be around 2.5°C above pre-industrial levels by 2080. Changes in precipitation patterns would likely increase and regional differences could become more pronounced.

2060-2080: Under RCP8.5, global temperatures could rise by more than 4°C above pre-industrial levels by 2080. Precipitation patterns would be expected to change significantly, with further increases in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events. This would have far-reaching impacts on ecological and socio-economic systems.