Red Maple vs Black Locust - TreeTime.ca

Red Maple vs Black Locust

Acer rubrum

Robinia pseudoacacia

Red Maple
Black Locust

Red Maple is a beautiful deciduous tree that blooms with small red flowers in the spring. It is one of the first trees to change colour in the fall, turning a brilliant reddish-orange colour. It is one of the most common and widespread maples in North America.

Red Maple is a great choice for parks and large gardens where there is ample room for its root system.

Important note: Red Maple leaves are toxic to horses if ingested in quantity.

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.

Red Maple Quick Facts

Black Locust Quick Facts

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Zone: 3a
Zone: 3a
Height: 15 m (49 ft)
Height: 12 m (40 ft)
Spread: 9 m (30 ft)
Spread: 8 m (25 ft)
Moisture: any
Moisture: dry, normal
Light: full sun
Light: full sun
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no
Fall colour: reddish-orange
Flowers: Creamy white flowers in a pyramidal shape bloom in may-june
Bark: dark reddish brown to balck with furrows
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: fast
Life span: long
Life span: long
Suckering: none
Suckering: high

In row spacing: 2.4 - 4 m (8 - 12 ft)

Between row spacing: 5 m (16 ft)

Toxicity: wilted leaves toxic to horses

Other Names: soft maple, swamp maple, water maple
Other Names: false acacia, yellow locust