June 2019: Locust tree [Robinia pseudoacacia] (Robinie): Imported to Europe in the 16th century from the Appalachians in North America, named after Jean Robin (1550 - 1629), the court gardener of French kings. In my region this tree is one of the last to green-up. It starts to flower in June only with a strong sweet smell and is an important honey plant. The seeds are germinable for many years, and the tree also forms root suckers. The wood is in demand because it is hardier and firmer than oak wood and therefore an option to tropical timber. The whole plant (except the blossoms) is poisonous including the seeds.
