Robinia spp.

Robinia spp. is toxic to cats, dogs and horses. The reported severity is severe. Also known as Locust Trees, Black Locust and Philadelphia Fleabane.

dogs cats horses

Mild Moderate Severe Critical

This plant is known to be potentially deadly!

  • If you're comfortable with the risk, ensure this plant is out of reach of your animal.
  • If you suspect your animal has ingested portions of this plant, immediately consult your veterinarian.
  • If your animal is experiencing any of the associated symptoms, immediately contact your veterinarian's emergency number for further instructions.

If your animal ate this plant, call your veterinarian, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control on (888) 426-4435 or the Pet Poison Helpline on (855) 764-7661. Fees may apply.

Symptoms to watch for

Vomiting Depression Loss Of Appetite Weakness Difficulty Breathing Diarrhea Death Abdominal Pain Incoordination Laminitis Dilated Pupils

The color of each symptom follows the severity scale above.

About

Robinia is a genus of flowering plants in the family Fabaceae, tribe Robinieae, native to North America. Commonly known as locusts, they are deciduous trees and shrubs growing 4–25 metres (13–82 ft) tall. The leaves are pinnate with 7–21 oval leaflets. The flowers are white or pink, in usually pendulous racemes. Many species have thorny shoots, and several have sticky hairs on the shoots.

How this plant poisons

All species produce toxic lectins, throughout the entire plant, with the exception of the flowers. The flowers are used in teas and in pancakes, and are consumed as fritters in many parts of Europe.

Common Names

  • Locust Trees
  • Black Locust
  • Philadelphia Fleabane
  • Bristly Locust
  • New Mexico Locust
  • Robin's-Plantain
  • Clammy Locust
  • Dwarf Bristly Locust
  • Highlands Locust
  • Idaho Locust
  • Common Derris
  • Bristly Locust

Also recorded as Locust and Locusts.

Facts

Family
Fabaceae
Duration
Perennial
Growth habit
Shrub, Tree
In the wild
FR, DE, US, BE, CH, NL + more
Source
Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0
Elsewhere

Countries with the most wild observations, from GBIF data.