It is not for nothing that the robinia is nicknamed "false acacia" or "false acacia". For a layman, the two trees look confusingly similar. However, a trained eye can tell which species it is from a few significant features. Read below what you need to consider when identifying a tree.

The leaves of the robinia are pinnate differently than those of the acacia

Characteristics of Black Locust

The robinia is mostly found as a tree. The genus is rarely referred to as a shrub.

leaves

  • imparipinnate
  • up to 30 cm long
  • reddish-brown thorns form the stipules

bark

  • deep furrows
  • elongated cracks
  • grey-brown to dark brown

Characteristics of the acacia

You usually get the acacia in the form of a shrub. The plant only rarely appears as a tree.

leaves

  • pair pinnate
  • thorny stipules

bark

  • smooth or cracked depending on the variety

Similarities between black locust and acacia

In addition to their similar appearance, acacia and robinia have one thing in common: all parts of the plant except the flowers of the plants are considered poisonous. In particular, be warned against consuming the bark. Young children, pets and horses are particularly at risk when left unattended. The robinia or acacia exerts a special attraction with their sweet smell, to taste from the tree. The first symptoms of poisoning are

  • nausea
  • dizziness
  • tachycardia
  • Vomit
  • drowsiness
  • inner unrest

In animals, eating robinia or acacia bark can even have fatal consequences.

Summary- Difference between Black Locust and Acacia

As you can see, it is quite possible to distinguish an acacia from a black locust based on small details. Look closely at the leaf shape of the respective plant. Is the foliage paired or unpaired pinnate? Even for laypeople, this feature is clearly recognizable. If the leaves are arranged symmetrically and in even numbers on the petiole, this indicates the acacia. The black locust, on the other hand, has one leaf at the end of the petiole. It is a bit more vague to identify the trees based on their bark. For this you have to know exactly which variety of acacia you are dealing with. If in doubt, you should simply get advice from a specialist at the nearest tree nursery. Under no circumstances should you be misled by the term "false acacia", as the robinia is also often called.

Category:

Trees