Golden Willow vs Black Locust - TreeTime.ca

Golden Willow vs Black Locust

Salix alba vitellina

Robinia pseudoacacia

Golden Willow
Black Locust

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 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 Quick Facts

Black Locust Quick Facts

Lowest Price: $1.49 - SAVE UP TO 57%
Lowest Price: $0.89 - SAVE UP TO 82%
Zone: 2a
Zone: 3a
Height: 15 m (49 ft)
Height: 12 m (40 ft)
Spread: 15 m (50 ft)
Spread: 8 m (25 ft)
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: dry, normal
Light: full sun
Light: full sun
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: yes
Catkins: no
Fall colour: golden yellow
Flowers: Creamy white flowers in a pyramidal shape bloom in may-june
Bark: bright yellow
Bark: dark reddish brown to balck with furrows
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: fast
Life span: medium
Life span: long
Suckering: medium
Suckering: high

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

Between row spacing: 5 m (16 ft)


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