Acacia flowers

Robinia pseudoacacia

flower

Clusters of white, very fragrant, nectar-rich flowers of the black locust, a tree from North America; picked in spring for fritters, syrups and teas.

Origin

North America, naturalized in Europe

Where to find it

Black locusts line railroads, embankments and waste ground; in Hungary, where they cover whole forests, and in northern Italy, flower fritters are a May classic.

Season (United States)

April to June

Preparation

Only the flowers: the bark, leaves and seeds of the black locust are toxic.

Did you know?

Linnaeus named it after Jean Robin, botanist to Henri IV, who received its seeds from the Appalachians and brought it to France.