Black Locust (with similarity to Osage Orange)
Robinia pseudoacacia • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly interlocked grain with a medium to coarse texture; visible ring-porous structure with heavy fibrous texture on split surfaces.
Color Description
Pale greenish-yellow to golden brown heartwood; sapwood is yellowish-white. It often features a distinct greenish cast when fresh, darkening to a medium brown with age. Highly fluorescent under UV light.
Hardness Rating
1,700 lbf (Hard to Very Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; exceptionally resistant to rot, decay, and insects. One of the most rot-resistant woods in North America.
Common Uses
Fence posts, boatbuilding, exterior decking, mine timbers, railroad ties, tool handles, and heavy construction.
Geographic Origin
Native to the Appalachian Mountains and Southeastern United States; widely naturalized throughout North America, Europe, and Asia.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$5.00 - $9.00 per board foot (varies significantly by locality and grade).
Wood Age Estimate
Freshly split (Green/Semi-green); minimal oxidation or weathering present on the interior face, though the bark and log in the background show recent harvesting.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; highly sustainable and considered invasive in some regions due to fast growth.
Workability
Difficult to work due to high density and hardness. It has a high blunting effect on cutting edges. Turns well and glues/finishes adequately, though pre-boring is essential for fasteners.
Notable Features
Distinctive yellow/green hue; wood is extremely heavy and strong. Known for glowing under UV light. Contains high levels of extractives that prevent fungal growth.
Finish Recommendations
Best suited for penetrating oils (tung or linseed) or exterior-grade sealers if used outdoors. Indoor items suggest high-quality polyurethane or wax.
Identification Confidence
Medium-High; the yellow-green color palette, coarse fibrous split face, and ring-porous end grain visible on the stump are classic indicators of Black Locust.