This article is dated as if it is new, hope so. I did spot a couple of typos, which is unusual. But, did learn some things about this cool tree. I wish I would have planted some a few years ago when I first saw one in my locale. Rare in my parts, but found quite often an hour or so north of here. The forgotten history of the black locust tree: From vital to invasive to important once more
Nice read. Here in Wisconsin the DNR really dis likes BL. When it takes over a wood lot, nothing I mean nothing! will grow under its canopy. No diversity. Great firewood though!
Very versatile tree with a long history. I planted about 6 at my house 3 years ago, and quickly realized that was way too many. Last year I cut all of them down except for one. That lone tree is now 20’ high, despite growing in only partial sun. I won’t be surprised if it puts out flowers for the first time next year.
Good read. There are BL trees growing by the barn on our family farm, built in 1859. My dad told me they planted them beside barns and houses back then because they grew fast and tall and were therefore a natural lightning rod.
I'd always been told by the "old folks" when I was a kid that birds wouldn't nest in black locust trees because they drew lightning. I'm an "old folks" now and I've looked at almost every locust tree I've ever cut and only ever found a few nests, certainly seemingly less than other species. I have no explanation for why they are said to draw lightning; I'd always thought it might be because of their rangy, spreading surface roots collecting a charge from the ground. Your "taller, faster" explanation seems as good as anything. But how do the birds know...??? I wonder if that notion is widespread or an Appalachian thing?
Says it was originally published in Sept of 2023, so somewhat recently. I saw a few typos also. I never knew black locust provided pollen AND honey for bees. Lol.
I've only run across a few black locusts in my area. While I'm no fan of their thorns they do make excellent firewood. Upon googling if black locust trees attract lighting I received this AI response. ' Yes, black locust trees are known to be susceptible to lightning strikes and can be considered natural lightning rods. This is due to their high water content, which makes them good conductors of electricity. While they can attract lightning, they also tend to survive the strikes better than some other tree species. " Take that with a grain of salt, but it is fun to pose these questions.
