CT DEP has just formulated a non-native and invasive plant list. Full list available 860-424-3540.

Robina pseudoacacia (black locust) is on the list. My texts list the native range to about Pennsylvania and says it's naturalized to north and east of there. Does anyone Know if it became naturalized in New England through purposeful human introduction or through natural spread and succession on cleared sites? I believe it was of some economic importance - certainly use - even in colonial times. Widely used for fence posts and the traditional construction of wooden ships used black locust "trunnels" or tree-nails to fasten timbers.

Reply to post by Scott Cullen, on January 07, 2000 at 11:35:30:

Scott,
Harlow & Harrar say it was introduced into Germany about 1601. Also, "once planted extensively for railroad ties and fenceposts"
Bound to have been planted in New England, too.

Reply to post by Scott Cullen, on January 07, 2000 at 11:35:30:

Eric Sloane, in his 'Reverence for Wood' talks about trading split chestnut rails from CT for locust fence posts from Long Island in the mid-1800's - somewhat interesting discussion. I have also seen references to locust in CT from the late 1700's - presumably black locust, and presumably naturalized.
I confess to a certain discomfort about listing black locust as an invasive exotic - I suspect its association with disturbed sites, and the negative impact of disturbance on many native species, leads to its being lumped in with true invasive exotics, like Japanese barberry and Oriental bittersweet.

Reply to post by Ed Milhous, on January 07, 2000 at 11:35:30:

Did they give the source? I double checked and the first settlement at Jamestown was 1607 (http://www.apva.org/) and I'd guess that would have been the most likely route into the Appalachinas where Robina pseudoacacia was reportedly native. Plymouth Rock and New Amsterdam were north of the native range and later in any case (1620 and 1625). Is it possible that the considerably earlier Spanish settlements in Florida ranged north into native range? Or maybe the French coming down the Ohio Valley from Quebec?

Reply to post by Chris Donnelly, on January 07, 2000 at 11:35:30:

If you have an interest in Eric Sloane, please access www.ericsloane-awareness.com for information concerning a brand new biography. Thanks!