Black locust trees (Robinia pseudoacacia) are an invasive species in Massachusetts, but it is difficult to dislike them this time of year, when the trees perfume the air with a jasmine-like scent. The trees can no longer be legally planted. Older trees can be found in yards, but most of these trees grow in minimally-maintained spaces.
Boston’s Jamaica Plain neighborhood has many black locust groves. They can be easily spotted this time of year as not many other trees are in flower.
Black locust trees are rarely found alone. They spread through root suckers, forming genetically-identical colonies. They can also spread by seed. This colony near the corner of Lamartine and Green streets has 11 trunks.
