# Does Black Locust Have Thorns? Understanding This Hardy Tree Have you ever passed by a black locust tree and asked yourself whether black locust has thorns? Well, yes, the black locust tree has thorns, especially the younger varieties. The thorns found on black locust are paired and found at the base of the leaves, and can come in small spikes or pointed structures. [Does black locust have thorns](https://www.blacklocustlumber.com/blog/does-black-locust-have-thorns-everything-about-the-best-teak-alternative)? Robinia pseudoacacia or the black locust tree is a hard, deciduous and rapidly growing tree native to North America. The black locust tree is popular because of its aromatic white flowers and fern-like leaves. However, it is not always known for its thorny structure, which is another distinct feature of this tree. Younger **black locust trees** usually have more developed thorns than their mature counterparts. As they age, most black locust trees will continue developing the thorns although less prominently. Planting such trees should therefore be done with care, keeping in mind that they are best planted away from footpaths or playgrounds. However, the presence of these thorns notwithstanding, black locust trees provide several advantages. [For instance](https://penzu.com/p/ae63f3dc66ded472), their wood is durable, resistant to decay, and commonly applied for fence posts, deck, and patio construction. Additionally, black locust is nitrogen-fixing and thus contributes positively to soil improvement. Thus, coming back to the question of whether black locust has thorns, your answer would be yes, but the thorns contribute to its success.