Black Locust
Robinia pseudoacacia • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Typically straight but can be irregular; features a coarse texture with noticeable latewood and earlywood banding. Splitting reveals a fibrous, slightly interlocking appearance.
Color Description
Heartwood is pale yellowish-brown with a distinct greenish cast when freshly cut, darkening to a golden brown or cocoa brown upon light exposure. Sapwood is a pale yellow to off-white and very narrow.
Hardness Rating
1,700 lbf (Hard to Very Hard classification)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; exceptionally resistant to rot, decay, and insects. One of the most rot-resistant woods native to North America.
Common Uses
Fence posts, railroad ties, deck furniture, heavy external construction, tool handles, boat building, and high-heat firewood.
Geographic Origin
Native to the Appalachian Mountains of the Eastern United States; widely naturalized throughout North America, Europe, and parts of Asia.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$4.00 - $8.00 per board foot depending on grade and regional availability (higher for furniture grade).
Wood Age Estimate
Freshly split firewood; based on the lack of grey weathering and the presence of bark, the wood is likely 1-2 years old since being felled.
Sustainability Status
Least Concern; highly sustainable and often considered invasive in certain regions due to fast growth and nitrogen-fixing roots. Not CITES listed.
Workability
Difficult to work with hand tools due to its extreme hardness and high density. It has a high blunting effect on machine cutters. Glues and finishes well but pre-boring for screws is essential.
Notable Features
Luminescent under ultraviolet light; possesses high fuel value (excellent firewood). Can cause skin irritation or respiratory issues in some sensitive individuals.
Finish Recommendations
Oil-based finishes (tung or linseed) to enhance the natural golden hue; requires thorough sanding. If used outdoors, a UV-inhibiting clear coat is recommended to prevent graying.
Identification Confidence
High. The characteristic yellowish-green hue, coarse fibrous texture of the split face, and the deeply furrowed dark bark are diagnostic features of Robinia pseudoacacia.