Black Locust

The black locust, native to the southeastern United States, is an invasive species that grows throughout Central Park, and is no longer planted. The black locust is a member of the pea family, a resemblance that is especially noticeable when the tree is in flower. This tree is a home for woodpeckers and displays white flowers with a fragrant scent from May through June. Black locusts provide durable wood that the Conservancy uses to build rustic benches, fences, and structures. The black locust is commonly confused with the honey locust but does not have the latter's dramatic spiked trunks.