American Elm vs Black Locust - TreeTime.ca

American Elm vs Black Locust

Ulmus americana

Robinia pseudoacacia

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(new stock expected: fall of 2025)

American Elm
Black Locust

American Elm is fast growing, tall tree with a recognizable and pleasing shape.

It's well suited for urban environments because of its non-invasive roots and ability to grow on harsh sites (quite salt tolerant). American Elm develops a wide, dense canopy that provides shade for many city streets around North America.

Black Locust is an attractive tree. Its distinctive leaves are made of about a dozen bright green leaflets. It also notable for its fragrant white flowers, which smell of citrus.

Black Locust can grow in many situations, but prefers dry areas with lots of sun. It is robust and is an excellent choice for establishing shade in dry, open areas.

Important note: Much of the Black Locust is toxic to humans and livestock, including seeds, bark, and leaves.

American Elm Quick Facts

Black Locust Quick Facts

Lowest Price: $3.99 - SAVE UP TO 43%
Zone: 2a
Zone: 3a
Height: 30 m (98 ft)
Height: 12 m (40 ft)
Spread: 15 m (50 ft)
Spread: 8 m (25 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: full sun
Moisture: any
Moisture: dry, normal
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: fast
Life span: very long
Life span: long
Suckering: medium
Suckering: high


Fall colour: bright yellow
Bark: dark reddish brown to balck with furrows
Flowers: Creamy white flowers in a pyramidal shape bloom in may-june
Seeds: samara
Seeds: dark brown peapod-like pods
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Native to: SK, MB, ON, QC, NS, NB, PE
Other Names: water elm, whilte elm
Other Names: false acacia, yellow locust