Golden Willow vs Black Locust - TreeTime.ca

Golden Willow vs Black Locust

Robinia pseudoacacia

Salix alba vitellina

Black Locust
Golden 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.

Golden Willow is an attractive accent tree that's perfectly suited for those moist or wet areas on your property.

This fast growing tree has glossy narrow leaves that turn gold in fall, furrowed brown bark and showy gold branches that especially stand out in the winter.

Golden Willow is commonly used for windbreaks, shelterbelts, and ornamental planting. In addition to looking great, Golden Willow attracts a variety of birds and mammals with its twigs and buds.

All willow 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.

Note: do not plant near buildings or buried services.

Black Locust Quick Facts

Golden Willow Quick Facts

Lowest Price: $4.19 - SAVE UP TO 40%
Lowest Price: $1.49 - SAVE UP TO 57%
Zone: 3a
Zone: 2a
Height: 12 m (40 ft)
Height: 15 m (49 ft)
Spread: 8 m (25 ft)
Spread: 15 m (50 ft)
Moisture: dry, normal
Moisture: normal, wet
Light: full sun
Light: full sun
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: yes
Fall colour: golden yellow
Flowers: Creamy white flowers in a pyramidal shape bloom in may-june
Bark: dark reddish brown to balck with furrows
Bark: bright yellow
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: fast
Life span: long
Life span: medium
Suckering: high
Suckering: medium


In row spacing: 2.4 - 3 m (8 - 10 ft)
Between row spacing: 5 m (16 ft)


Other Names: false acacia, yellow locust
Other Names: basket willow, blue willow, cricket bat willow, duck willow, velvet osier, white osier, white willow