Russian Almond vs Black Locust - TreeTime.ca

Russian Almond vs Black Locust

Robinia pseudoacacia

Prunus tenella

Black Locust
Russian Almond

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.

Russian Almond is a low maintenance, short, slightly suckering shrub. It is covered with attractive, bright pink flowers in early spring before its foliage emerges.

This hardy species forms dense thickets attracts wildlife. Russian Almond prefers full sun and well-drained soils, but can tolerate moist soils.

The nuts it produces are quite attractive but very small. They are bitter and possibly toxic in large quantities.

Check out our YouTube channel video of the Russian Almond here.

Black Locust Quick Facts

Russian Almond Quick Facts

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Zone: 3a
Zone: 2a
Height: 12 m (40 ft)
Height: 1.5 m (5 ft)
Spread: 8 m (25 ft)
Spread: 1.2 m (4 ft)
Light: full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: dry, normal
Moisture: dry, normal
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: medium
Life span: long
Life span: short
Suckering: high
Suckering: medium


Bark: dark reddish brown to balck with furrows
Flowers: Creamy white flowers in a pyramidal shape bloom in may-june
Flowers: bright pink
Nuts: small fuzzy nuts
Seeds: dark brown peapod-like pods
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Other Names: false acacia, yellow locust
Other Names: dwarf russian almond