Black Locust vs Bitternut Hickory - TreeTime.ca

Black Locust vs Bitternut Hickory

Robinia pseudoacacia

Carya cordiformis

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2025)

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Black Locust
Bitternut Hickory

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.

Bitternut Hickory is a large deciduous tree that makes a great shade tree for yards and parks. This tree is native to Eastern North America. Although it produces nuts, they are bitter and inedible. Some consider this wood to be the best flavour for smoking meats.

Plant Bitternut Hickory in it’s forever home. It is difficult to transplant due to its long taproot, and may not survive.

The wood is strong and has historically been used for wheels, ladders, and furniture.

Black Locust Quick Facts

Bitternut Hickory Quick Facts

Zone: 3a
Zone: 4a
Height: 12 m (40 ft)
Height: 25 m (82 ft)
Spread: 8 m (25 ft)
Spread: 13 m (42 ft)
Light: full sun
Light: any
Moisture: dry, normal
Moisture: normal, wet
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: slow
Life span: long
Life span: long
Suckering: high
Suckering: high


Bark: dark reddish brown to balck with furrows
Bark: ridged, durable
Flowers: Creamy white flowers in a pyramidal shape bloom in may-june
Nuts: bitter
Seeds: dark brown peapod-like pods
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: yes


Other Names: false acacia, yellow locust
Other Names: swamp hickory