The black locust is a popular deciduous tree that is often planted in parks and private gardens. In early summer the tree presents itself with a white, innocent-looking flower dress. But appearances are deceptive. Not only is the black locust extremely poisonous, its sharp thorns punish anyone who gets too close. Everything you need to know about the spines of the black locust tree can be found in this article.
Where are the spines of the black locust tree located?
The spines of the robinia are located on its branches and are actually stipules that are formed as sharp thorns. They are reddish-brown and can be up to three centimeters long. In older locust trees or those grown from seedlings, the spines may be less common or absent.
Features of the spines
- reddish brown color
- up to three centimeters long
Where are the spines of the black locust tree located?
You can find the thorns of the black locust on its branches. These are actually the stipules, which are formed as pointed thorns.
Be careful when cutting
As beautiful as a robinia may be, the spines make it difficult to care for. Fortunately, pruning is usually not necessary, but if you want to keep the growth low, you should be very careful when working on the robinia so as not to injure yourself.
- Before purchasing the deciduous tree, carefully consider whether you accept the risk of injury to children playing, for example
- Always wear gloves when thinning the crown
It almost seems as if nature has given the robinia a double protective function against human intervention. In addition to the sharp thorns, the plant parts also contain toxic substances. Therefore, be particularly careful if you have already injured yourself on the spines. If the toxic substances get into the wound, there is a risk of he alth complications.
Are there also locust trees without thorns?
Do you own a locust tree and are wondering why this article warns so urgently about the sharp spines? You can't see any thorns on your deciduous tree. In very rare cases, robinias actually do not develop any thorns. Then it is less of a breeding form and more of one of the following options:
- Your robinia is already very old
- Your black locust was not grown from a runner but from seedlings
As a rule, it is mainly young shoots that have the sharp spines. Old plants that have been cut back many times will slowly stop forming. Plant experts also suspect that the formation of thorns in specimens from seedlings is less common than in the usual production from runners.
