Other Common Names/Trade Names: None
Scientific Name: Robinia pseudoacacia
Best Characteristics for Identification: Earlywood/latewood color contrast. Latewood very dark. Ring porous. Tyloses. Florescent under a black light.
Uses: Frequently used where great strength is required such as railroad ties, mining timbers, etc. Also used for furniture on a limited basis.
General Natural Range: Central and southern Appalachian mountains with separate populations in Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Missouri. Naturalized in many parts of the country due to planting.
Identical or Nearly Identical Species: None
Other Species Easily Confused With: Osage orange
Means of Distinguishing Similar Species : Osage-orange has long bands of confluent parenchyma whereas black locust does not. When soaked in water, shavings from osage-orange will turn water yellow. Black locust is florescent under a black light.

Osage-orange has long bands of confluent parenchyma whereas black locust and red mulberry do not except for sometimes near the latewood. When soaked in water, shavings from osage-orange will turn water yellow. Neither black locust or red mulberry have this characteristic. Osage orange and black locust have very fine rays that are difficult to see without a hand lens whereas red mulberry has wide rays which are clearly visible.