Could these be Black Locust Trees? If not, then what?

cd1989

Hey guys, I'm new to the forum and have a question i hope you can answer for me.

I live in Rhode Island, Northeastern USA (adjacent to Massachusetts) and have a bunch of these pesty trees in my back yard that i can't seem to identify. They range from 10' to approx 60' and throw suckers everywhere. They're scattered along my back woods, about 10'-20' between each other. There are also a few wild cherry trees in the same area of my woods, so they most likely like the same soil and light.

Here are some pics.



















A few years ago we cut one of them down, here's the stump.



In my research, i've come up with the possibilities that they're "honey locusts" or most likely "black locusts" but not all of the markers line up perfectly. For instance, from my readings i've learned that the black locusts produce brown "seed pods" in late spring. BUT, i've NEVER seen any. This doesn't mean they aren't out there somewhere, but at ground level i've never noticed them. I searched the ground too, but not one of these pods seems to be found.

Also, from my readings i've learned the black locusts produce thorns... which also seem to be absent from these trees branches.

Does anybody know what these trees could be? If they're indeed the black locusts, can you explain the lack of pods or thorns?

Thanks for any input!

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cd1989

I should also add that they DO flower in LATE spring (later than all of the other trees around here) with clusters of white "NASTY smelling" flowers. And in the fall, they all turn yellow and fall, spending the cold snowy winter dormant.

Jamie Myers

Robinia psudoacacia or Black Locust definately

Brent Ferris

I agree, Black Locust. The pods usually appear in the fall, but if the flowers aren't fertilized, no fruit. Thorns are present on young branches. As the branches get larger the thorns are engulfed. The flowers are strongly fragrant, many women quite like the smell -- I don't.
The wood is also considered very rot resistant - far better than cedar, probably a similar ability to tamarack.

Thanks for all the great pics !!

cd1989

Ahh thanks guys! That's what i figured but i just wanted to make sure. After further inspection i found a few thorns, and in the fall i'll watch for the seed pods.

Thanks again!

bsearcey

Also a plus is that they have a high BTU value so make excellent firewood.