Robinia pseudoacacia - Black Locust

Robinia pseudoacacia: Robinia, named for Jean Robin, gardener for Henri IV and Louis XIII. He received new plants from Canada; pseudoacacia, meaning "false acacia."

Tall, narrow, fast-growing tree with a round head.
Pinnately compound leaves 12" long with oval leaflets.
White pea-like flowers. Not all cultivars have a scent.
Flowers held in 4"-8" long racemes.
Prolific production of seed pods / legumes in summer and fall.
Twigs are reddish brown with 1/2" spines.
Grey to tan bark tends to furrow in diamond patterns. Wood is brittle.