Black Locust
One hectare of Black Locust yields up to 1 tonne of honey per season—Ukraine's most important honey plant.
Black Locust is a truly remarkable honey-producing tree that traces its roots to the eastern regions of North America. In the early eighteenth century, European gardeners and beekeepers 'discovered' this botanical treasure across the Atlantic, and now it flourishes in gardens from Britain to Ukraine. The tree has captured the hearts of growers worldwide through its remarkable simplicity—a species that asks little beyond a sunny spot.
The tree captivates with its appearance: delicate pinnate foliage imparts an almost ethereal quality to the canopy. Come May, the crowns burst with clusters of fragile white flowers adorned with a subtle, sweet fragrance. Varieties differ considerably in character—some remain compact shrubs whilst others develop into impressive specimens. There are also ornamental forms with golden foliage or weeping branches that lend particular charm to any garden design.
In the garden, Black Locust proves to be a versatile companion. It combines beautifully with hawthorn, wild rose, and juniper, creating harmonious planting schemes. The tree is remarkably undemanding: minimal watering, tolerant of any soil from acidic to alkaline, and requires no fertilising—it is self-sufficient, drawing nitrogen from the air through symbiosis with its roots.
Yet its greatest talent is generosity itself. A single hectare of this remarkable tree yields up to one tonne of Ukraine's finest honey per season. If you keep bees or simply wish to support pollinator populations, Black Locust is far more than a garden ornament—it is a genuinely noble endeavour.
Black Locust — planting & location
Intensive honey plant, edible flowers, very vigorous grower.
How to water Black Locust
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Fertilizing and pruning: Black Locust
Remove only dead and diseased branches.