What is the Difference Between a Locust and a Black Locust?

Locusts and black locusts are different kinds of plants, but they’re different. They look similar, but they do have different properties.

Imagine you are walking through a garden and seeing two plants: a locust plant and a black locust plant. They may look similar, but there are some important differences between them.

A locust plant resembles a regular plant that grows in many places. A black locust plant is also a type of plant. It has special features.

Both of these plants have unique features and differences.

So, by going through these tips, you will have great knowledge about how they differ.

Sorting Plants

honeylocust flowers

1. Locust Plant (Robinia pseudoacacia)

The locust plant is a tree from North America. This family has small flowers and unique fruits. Sometimes, this tree loses its leaves in some seasons.

Think of it as the tree removing its coat when it gets warm or cold. The locust tree has a special way of growing, making it different from other trees.

So, when you see a locust tree, you’ll know it’s one of a kind in the plant family. It’s nice to learn about different trees and how they grow. 

2. Black Locust Plant (Gleditsia triacanthos)

The black locust plant is named Gleditsia triacanthos. It’s not in the same group as many other plants, even though they’re in the same family.

This plant is unique because of its special leaves and branches with thorns. These thorns can be sharp, so be careful when you touch them.

People often plant black locusts because they grow quickly and provide shade. Some birds like to make nests in their branches.

In gardens, it can be a nice place to sit and relax. It’s a plant that’s easy to find, and it’s not hard to take care of. So, if you want a simple plant in your garden, black locust is a good choice.

How They Look

black locust plant

1. Locust Plant

The locust plant has leaves that look like smaller leaves lined up on a stem. These leaves are not bumpy. They are smooth around the edges. They are a bright green color, which means they are a very energetic shade of green.

The plant also has some flowers, and these flowers are not just any flowers. They are pretty white flowers. These flowers also have a nice smell, so they smell good. They don’t grow alone; they grow together in groups. So, when you see the locust plant, you can see these groups of pretty white flowers along with the green leaves. 

2. Black Locust Plant

The black locust plant is special because its leaves are not one big piece but many little pieces stuck together, usually between 7 and 19. These little pieces have edges that look a bit rough. When it’s time for this plant to make flowers, it grows bunches of white flowers that hang down and seem like peas.

This plant is easy to find in many places and is nice to look at. It’s kind of like a big green bush with pretty white flowers. People like to have it in their gardens because it’s simple to care for and adds beauty. If you see one, you’ll notice the leaves with jagged edges and the lovely white flowers hanging down. 

Where They Live

Locust Trees 9 Best Varieties With Picture Identification-Guide

1. Locust Plant

The locust plant is like a migrant. It can grow in many different spots, such as wide forests, near rivers, and even where the ground has been altered. Because of this, you can find it in many parts of North America.

It’s a hardy plant, able to handle different conditions, which means it’s not too picky about where it lives. In open woods, it finds a comfy home.

By rivers, it grows properly. Even when people change the land, it can adapt and grow. This makes it a plant you might see quite often in North America. Its ability to live in various places shows how tough and adaptable it is, making it a familiar sight for many people in this part of the world.

2. Black Locust Plant

The black locust plant likes to grow in places with high land. It can often be seen where the soil lets water flow away quickly. You might find it in old fields, along the sides of roads, and where people used to farm. This plant has pretty white flowers that smell sweet. Bees like to visit these flowers and collect nectar.

Black locust trees are good at growing fast and making shade. People sometimes plant them in gardens to give a nice shady spot to sit under on hot days. So, if you see a tree with white flowers and smell something sweet in the air, it might just be the black locust plant.

How People Use Them

Locust Tree

1. Locust Plant

Understanding the characteristics of a locust tree satisfies curiosity and explains why people have found many uses for the locust plant, particularly valuing its strong and durable wood.

That’s why it’s perfect for making tables, chairs, and even big boats. In the past, they didn’t have fancy materials like we do today, so they used what they had. People could build things that didn’t break easily.

Think of sitting on a strong chair made from locust wood. You’d feel safe and comfortable. And those strong fences made sure no one could walk into your yard. So, you see, the locust tree is tough and reliable, making it a top choice for all sorts of useful things.

2. Black Locust Plant

The black locust plant is famous for its strong wood. This wood lasts long without getting damaged, so it’s great for outdoor things like poles, beams, and decks. People like using it because it doesn’t break down quickly. You can build things that stay strong for many years. This is helpful because you don’t have to fix or replace them as often.

Black locust wood is a good choice when you need something tough for your backyard. Whether it’s a tall pole or a deck to relax on, this wood can handle it. It’s a smart pick for outdoor projects that need strength and durability. So, if you want things that last, stay strong. Think about using black locust wood.

Conclusion

Locust plants and black locust plants are not the same. They might sound similar, but they’re quite different. A locust plant is a kind of tree that grows in some places. It’s known for having pretty leaves and making the air fresher.

While a black locust plant is also a tree, but it’s different. It has special white flowers that smell nice. That’s what sets them apart. So, when you see these trees, you’ll know they’re not twins. They’re like cousins in the tree family but with their unique styles.

Remember, locust plants have cool leaves, and black locust plants have sweet-smelling white flowers. That’s the simple way to tell them apart.

Quinn Roberts

Quinn Roberts, with a Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science from the University of Washington, has been a nature enthusiast since childhood. With over a decade of experience in environmental research, Quinn's work has been pivotal in understanding ecosystem dynamics. Joining our team in 2019, Quinn has enriched our platform with insights into natural landscapes and sustainable practices. When not working, he loves hiking and photography, capturing the serene beauty of the wilderness.

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