Black locust

Black locust is a plant originating in North America. Not only does it overshadow the areas where it occurs, but this tree also enriches the soil through so-called nitrogen fixation, which is not good for the typical dune plants. Characteristic of this tree are the hanging and strongly scented white flower clusters, thorns on the young twigs, a deeply grooved bark and the feathery oval leaves. The Latin name ‘Acacia’ comes from the Greek akis, meaning thorn. Black locust is found to a limited extent along the Flemish coast in dune forest and dune scrub.