Invasive Alien Species in Belgium: Robinia pseudoacacia

Naturalization in Belgium

First observation in the wild:	1856
Invasion stage:	unknown
Spatial distribution:	widespread

Invasiveness

Reproduction in the wild:	yes
Dispersion potential:	medium
Natural habitats:	medium

More on invasiveness: R. pseudoacacia is an early successional plant, preferring full sun, well drained soils, and little competition. It reproduces both from seed and by sprouting from the roots or stump; sprouting is considered more common than sexual reproduction. Limited seed dispersal, seed coat impermeability, and high light requirements for germination all limit reproduction by seed. It is commonly found in disturbed areas such as fallow lands and roadsides but is also reported to invade occupationally dry grasslands and forests dominated by light-demanding tree species (oak, pine, etc.) in Belgium. Although this tree produces abundant seeds, germination rate is often low in our climatic conditions. The area potentially invaded by R. pseudacacia is likely to increase considerably under a warmer climate.

Distribution in Belgium

Established populations Biogeographic areas where the species is known to be established in the wild

	absent from district
	isolated populations (1-5 localities per district)
	widespread (>5 localities per district)

Endangered areas Biogeographic areas including Natura 2000 habitats that are likely to be invaded by the species (occurence of dense populations)

Biogeographic areas including Natura 2000 habitats that are likely to be invaded by the species (occurence of dense populations)

	low risk
	medium risk
	high risk

Endangered Natura 2000 habitats (

heath & scrub:	4030
sclerophyllous scrub:	5110
grasslands:	611061206130 6210*
rocky habitats:	8160*8110

Impacts on Species

Predation / Herbivory:	low
Competition:	high
Disease transmission:	low
Genetic effects:	low

Impacts on Ecosystems

Nutrient cycling:	high
Physical alteration:	high
Natural successions:	high
Food web alteration:	low

More on impacts: Once introduced, the black locust expands readily by root suckering and stump sprouting and forms dense clones creating shaded islands from which most native plants are outcompeted. It also modifies soil properties and favours the development of a nitrogen-demanding vegetation. The large, fragrant blossoms of R. pseudoacacia are sometimes reported to compete with native plants for pollinating bees.

Data Source & References

Authors:	Branquart Etienne, Vanderhoeven Sonia, Van Landuyt Wouter, Van Rossum Fabienne, Verloove Filip
Published on:	18 June 2007
Last update:	14 August 2015

References:

AEF (2006)

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Unpublished document.

Benesperi, R., Giuliani, C., Zanetti, S., Gennai, M., Lipppi, M.M., Guidi, T., Nascimbene, J. & Foggi, B. (2012)

Forest plant diversity is threatened by Robinia pseudoacacia (black-locust) invasion.

Biodiversity and Conservation 21:3555–3568.

Boring, L.R. & Swank, W.T. (1984)

The role of black locust (Robinia pseudo-acacia) in forest succession.

Journal of Ecology 72(3): 749-766.

Boring, L.R. & Swank, W.T. (1984)

Symbiotic nitrogen fixation in regenerating black locust stands.

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Analysis of Spatial Patterns and Spatial Association between the Invasive Tree-of-Heaven (Ailanthus altissima) and the Native Black Locust (Robinia pseudoacacia).

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Callaway, R.M., Bedmar, E.J., Reinhart, K.O., Silvan, C.G. & Klironomos, J. (2011)

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Kowarik, I. (1990)

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Stand dynamics of introduced black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.) plantation under different disturbance regimes in Korea.

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Mature non-native black-locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.) forest does not regain the lichen diversity of the natural forest.

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