Black Locust


Name Black Locust (Robinia pseudoacacia)
Type Hardwood.
Other Names Also known as yellow locust, acacia, and false acacia.
Sources Grows in United States and southern Canada.
Appearance Straight, pronounced grain with a coarse, uneven texture. Greenish yellow to dark brown heartwood and narrow, yellowish sapwood.
Physical Props Heavy, moderately hard, with high bending and crushing strength, stiffness, shock resistance, and decay resistance.
Working Props Machines well but is difficult to work with hand tools. Tends to dull cutting edges. Steam-bends well. Glues satisfactorily, takes a high polish, finishes easily, and is stable in use. Screwing and nailing can be difficult.
Uses Used for fenceposts, rails, stakes, crates and boxes, mine equipment, insulator pins, ship treenails, tool handles, woodenware, novelties, outdoor furniture.