Black Locust (most likely secondary: Honey Locust or Osage Orange)
Robinia pseudoacacia • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly interlocked grain with a coarse texture; visible ring-porous structure and splintered radial face in this split sample
Color Description
Heartwood is a distinctive yellowish-brown to greenish-yellow, often turning a golden brown or dark russet with age. Sapwood is narrow and pale yellow. Exhibits high luster and strong fluorescence under UV light.
Hardness Rating
1,700 lbf (Hard to Very Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; exceptionally resistant to rot, termites, and fungal decay even in direct ground contact
Common Uses
Fence posts, boatbuilding, exterior decking, mine timbers, railroad ties, tool handles, and high-energy firewood
Geographic Origin
Native to the Appalachian Mountains and Ozark Plateau in Eastern North America; widely naturalized across temperate regions worldwide
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
Approximately $4.00 to $8.00 per board foot for lumber, though usually sold as posts or firewood
Wood Age Estimate
Freshly split (likely 0-2 years since harvest); low oxidation on the split face suggests it has not been exposed for long
Sustainability Status
Least Concern (IUCN); widely available and considered invasive in some regions; highly sustainable due to rapid growth and nitrogen-fixing properties
Workability
Difficult due to high density; quickly dulls cutting edges. Glues and finishes well, but pre-drilling is essential to avoid splitting
Notable Features
Glows bright yellow-green under ultraviolet light; heartwood is toxic if ingested by livestock; high density makes it excellent for firewood with high BTU output
Finish Recommendations
Penetrating exterior oils for outdoor use; polyurethane or lacquer for interior; no special sealer needed due to tyloses in pores
Identification Confidence
Medium-High; identified by the distinctive yellowish-green hue, coarse ring-porous texture, and the way the wood has splintered, which are classic indicators of Robinia pseudoacacia