- In southeast corner of vacant lot south of Parkdale Public Library
- Photo: © Emily Nixon
This black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia) is likely a “wind-seeded” tree, meaning that a dried seedpod from an older tree was carried by the wind, and deposited along this fence where in time it germinated and began to grow. This ability to spread easily into many different environments makes the black locust a common site across Toronto. Sometimes called the “alley cat” of trees, the black locust can survive under harsh growing conditions found in back alleys and neglected spaces. Its ability to thrive on poor soils is caused by the nitrogen-fixing bacteria found on its roots that takes the essential nutrient nitrogen from the air and makes it available to the tree.
This tree has never been pruned. Growing naturally has assumed a very unique form. Its two main trunks have grown into one another in what appears to be an intimate embrace, reminiscent of an artistic sculpture. It is, however, a somewhat tragic embrace because this has worn off bark damaging the delicate cambium layer below that produces the cells which keep the tree alive. This wound reduces the tree’s ability to transport water and nutrients up and down, impeding its growth. It also presents an entrance point for insects and decay.
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