Knowledgebase
can you help identify this plant #833321
Asked June 02, 2023, 9:02 AM EDT
Anoka County Minnesota
Expert Response
Good evening and thank you for reaching out to ask2.extension.
This is a black locust.
While the black locust may have a bad reputation in many areas of the US due to its opportunistic and rapid growth, there are benefits to this tree. The black locust is an important food source for honey bees and is a good choice for windbreaks since it grows so quickly (3 to 4 feet per year). Its wood also resists rot, so it is used in fenceposts. The plant is highly toxic, though, and should never be consumed.
All parts of black locust are toxic to humans when ingested. This is most likely to occur with children who eat parts of the plant unknowingly. The bark, seeds, and new growth are the most toxic. Black locust poisoning is rarely fatal, but the symptoms may persist for several days to weeks. The toxicity is considered moderate to high, and symptoms may include stomach pain, diarrhea, muscle weakness, dilated pupils, and fast breathing.
The black locust is commonly seen as an invasive woody plants in Minnesota.