Scientific Name
Robinia pseudoacacia
Common Name
Black locust

TOXIC ONLY IF LARGE QUANTITIES EATEN.

Characteristics

Family
Fabaceae
Plant Description
Large, deciduous tree, with twin spines at the base of the leaf at least in juvenile growth; leaves alternate, pinnately divided with 7-25 leaflets, each elliptical with a smooth margin; flowers white, fragrant, pea-like, in an elongated, drooping cluster; fruit a flattened pod.
Origin
USA, NC
Distribution
Throughout.
Where Found
Forest or natural areas in dry woods; weedy in disturbed areas, roadsides, fencerows; landscape used as an ornamental flowering tree.
Mode
Ingestion.
Poisonous Part
Inner bark, young leaves, seeds.
Symptoms
Depression, weakness, dilated pupils, vomiting, bloody diarrhea, weak pulse, coldness of arms and legs, paleness, and shock.
Edibility
EDIBLE PARTS: Flowers HARVEST TIME: Only collect flowers from areas you know have NOT been treated with pesticides. SAFE HANDLING PROCEDURES: Soak flowers in warm water for several minutes to remove dirt and debris. Do not use dish detergent or any type of sanitizer. These products can leave a residue. Remove the stems from the flowers. Chop flowers and add to bread dough or to muffin/pancake batter. Whole flowers can be battered and deep fried. SOURCE: A. Crowhurst. 1972. The Weed Cookbook. Lancer Publishing. New York, 190 pp.
Toxic Principle
Robin, a phytotoxin; robitin, a glycoside; robinine, an alkaloid.
Severity
TOXIC ONLY IF LARGE QUANTITIES EATEN.

"Poisonous Plants of North Carolina," Dr. Alice B. Russell, Department of Horticultural Science; Dr. James W. Hardin, Botany; Dr. Larry Grand, Plant Pathology; and Dr. Angela Fraser, Family and Consumer Sciences; North Carolina State University. All Pictures Copyright @1997Alice B. Russell, James W. Hardin, Larry Grand. Computer programming, Miguel A. Buendia; graphics, Brad Capel.

Disclaimer: The list of poisonous plants on this web site does not necessarily include every poisonous plant that is known, or that might be found in an urban landscape or home. North Carolina State University does not advise eating any of the plants included in this web site. The information concerning edibility is taken from the literature, and the degree of reliability is unknown. We discourage the use of any of these plants for self medication. In cases of accidental exposure or ingestion, contact the Poison Control Center 1-800-222-1222.

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