Black locust

How does this weed affect you?

Black locust produces a large amount of root suckers to form quite dense thickets that exclude native vegation. 

Toxicity

Black locust is toxic to humans and can cause discomfort and irritation, but is not life-threatening. All parts of the plant are poisonous, especially the pods, seeds, bark and leaves. It can cause dizziness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, convulsions and drowsiness. 

What to do if poisoning occurs:

• If the patient is unconscious, unresponsive or having difficulty breathing dial 000 or get to the emergency section of a hospital immediately.
• If the patient is conscious and responsive call the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26 or your doctor.
• If going to a hospital take a piece of the plant for identification.

What does it look like?

Spiny deciduous tree to about 17 m high. Leaves are bright green, divided into leaflets with spines on stems. Pale flowers droop down in clusters. Seed pods are 3 – 8 cm long and reddish brown in colour.