Black Locust (with Honey Locust as a secondary possibility)
Robinia pseudoacacia • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Strong cathedral grain pattern with noticeable growth ring contrast. The grain is generally straight but exhibits a coarse, uneven texture with a distinctive bullseye or knot-like figure where a branch originated.
Color Description
Pale greenish-yellow to yellowish-brown heartwood. The sapwood is thin and light yellow. It exhibits a slight natural luster and typically darkens to a medium-to-dark brown over time with UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1700 lbf (Hard to Very Hard classification)
Durability Rating
Very Durable. Exceptional resistance to rot and decay; widely regarded as one of the most rot-resistant woods in North America.
Common Uses
Fence posts, railroad ties, deck furniture, boatbuilding, flooring, turnery, and firewood.
Geographic Origin
Native to the Appalachian Mountains and the Ozark Plateau in North America, but now naturalized throughout most of temperate North America, Europe, and Asia.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$5.00 - $9.00 per board foot (varies significantly by location and grade).
Wood Age Estimate
Freshly milled or recently surfaced. The bright yellow-green tint suggests very little UV-induced oxidation, likely less than 6 months old since its last surfacing.
Sustainability Status
Not listed by CITES or the IUCN Red List. Extremely sustainable, fast-growing, and often considered invasive in certain regions.
Workability
Difficult due to high density and hardness. It has a high blunting effect on tool edges; pre-boring is necessary for screws. Glues and finishes well.
Notable Features
Glows under blacklight (fluorescence); extremely dense and heavy; very high thermal energy when burned.
Finish Recommendations
Oil-based finishes or outdoor-rated polyurethanes. Due to its use in outdoor applications, penetrating oils like teak or tung oil are frequently used to maintain the natural color.
Identification Confidence
High. The characteristic yellowish-green hue, prominent ring-porous cathedral grain, and live-edge splintering are highly diagnostic of Black Locust.