Black locust
Robinia pseudoacacia
- Plant type
- tree
- Settings
- Landscaped and ornamental, Disturbed ground
- Risk
- Moderate risk Our rating from the cited sources.
- Review
- Not yet reviewed by a veterinarian.
Photos
Planned.
How to tell it
Leaves with many small paired leaflets; pair of sharp spines at the base of each leaf; drooping white fragrant flowers; flat brown pods (Merck).
Look-alikes: Planned.
What to do on a site walk
- Limit time.
Why it matters
- Toxic principle
- Lectins (robin, phasin)
- Toxic parts
- Bark, leaves, seeds
- Basis for our rating
- Chewgrass rating. Cornell lists goats; Merck: deaths are uncommon.
Signs in goats
Off feed, diarrhea, weakness, dilated pupils, hind-leg weakness (Merck).
If you think an animal has been poisoned, call your vet right away.
Season
No source data yet.
Sources
- Cornell CALS Plants Poisonous to Livestock: Robinia pseudoacacia
- Second source (plants.ces.ncsu.edu)
Links last checked: 2026-10-31