Acute Willow vs Black Locust - TreeTime.ca

Acute Willow vs Black Locust

Robinia pseudoacacia

Salix acutifolia

Black Locust
Acute Willow

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.

Acute Willow is a very fast growing small tree that can reach growth rates of up to 6 feet per year. It's a great choice for developing a quick, hardy shelterbelt, windbreak, or privacy screen.

Acute Willow will grow multi-stemmed but can be pruned to a single stem for a smaller footprint. It prefers moist areas and requires almost no maintenance.

Willows are important to native pollinators each spring as they have higher amounts of pollen and nectar early each growing season when other food sources are scarce.

Black Locust Quick Facts

Acute Willow Quick Facts

Lowest Price: $0.89 - SAVE UP TO 82%
Lowest Price: $1.49 - SAVE UP TO 57%
Zone: 3a
Zone: 2a
Height: 12 m (40 ft)
Height: 12 m (40 ft)
Spread: 8 m (25 ft)
Spread: 11 m (35 ft)
Moisture: dry, normal
Moisture: normal, wet
Light: full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: yes
Flowers: Creamy white flowers in a pyramidal shape bloom in may-june
Bark: dark reddish brown to balck with furrows
Bark: younger branches are bright brown-red
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: fast
Life span: long
Life span: short
Suckering: high
Suckering: low


In row spacing: 2.4 m (8 ft)
Between row spacing: 5 m (16 ft)


Other Names: false acacia, yellow locust
Other Names: acute leaf willow, acute leafed willow, long-leaved violet willow, sharp-leaf willow