Acacia Flower (Black Locust) – Robinia pseudoacacia

The Acacia flower, also called Black Locust, comes from the Robinia pseudoacacia tree. Known for its captivating fragrance, it is primarily used in traditional medicine for its calming and soothing properties. Its aromatic richness also makes it a popular flower for floral infusions.

Description

The Black Locust, a tree native to North America, produces magnificent clusters of white flowers in spring. Highly melliferous, they are as aesthetic as they are fragrant. Carefully dried, they retain their sweet aroma. Widely used in folk traditions, the flower is used in infusions, in cooking, and even in natural cosmetics. It contains no theine or caffeine and is suitable for a variety of uses without any stimulating effects. Its delicate taste evokes notes of honey and jasmine.

Nomenclature

• Common names: White acacia, Black locust, False acacia, Robinia
• Latin name: Robinia pseudoacacia
• Family: Fabaceae (Legumes)
• Part used: Flowers
• Form: Whole, dried
• Origin: United States, Europe, Asia
• English name: Black locust flower
• Name in German: Robinienblüte
• Name in Spanish: Flor de acacia falsa
• Name in Italian: Fiore di robinia
• Name in Arabic: زهرة الجراد (Zahret al-Jarad)

Main virtues

Acacia flower is prized for its calming properties in infusions, its softening power on the skin in cosmetics, and its delicate fragrance used in perfumery and hair care. It is also used in certain culinary traditions to make floral fritters or scented syrups.

Main constituents

Volatile aromatic compounds (esters, alcohols, aldehydes), flavonoids, tannins, polysaccharides. Its richness in nectar makes it an important source for the production of monofloral honey.

Use and dosage

• Infusion: 1 to 2 tablespoons per cup (250 ml), infuse for 10 minutes in simmering water.
• Cosmetic: In decoction for facial lotion or soothing compresses.
• Cuisine: Flowers in donuts, syrups, or flavored desserts.

Precautions, side effects and contraindications

• Only the flowers are used. The bark, seeds, and leaves are poisonous.
• Do not use in children, pregnant or breastfeeding women without professional advice.
• No known interactions at recommended doses, but always consult a qualified practitioner if in doubt.

History and origin

Introduced to France in the 17th century by Jean Robin, gardener to King Henry IV, the black locust tree has since become naturalized in Europe. The oldest known plantation can be seen in Paris at the Jardin des Plantes. It quickly spread due to its honey-producing qualities and its ability to enrich nitrogen-poor soils.

Miscellaneous information

• Storage: away from light, humidity and heat sources.
• Shelf life: 12 to 24 months depending on storage conditions.
• Packaging: kraft bag, airtight box or glass jar.
• Smell: floral, sweet, very close to jasmine and honey.

Sources and references

• Flora Europaea – https://www.efloras.org
• Pl@ntUse – https://uses.plantnet-project.org
• Network of Botanical Gardens of France – https://www.jardinsbotaniques.fr
• Robinia and traditional herbal medicine – https://www.phytotheque.com

🔎 Information

The products on aromacentre.fr are not medicines. They are natural, plant-based treatments. All usage advice on our site is for informational purposes only. Any additional requests should be made to a qualified healthcare professional. In accordance with Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 December 2006 on nutrition and health claims made on foods, we are unable to publish this information on the site. Taking this product does not exempt you from consulting a doctor or prescribing it. Ask your doctor or healthcare practitioner for advice. Be sure to read the precautions for use before using any medicinal plants. The use of herbal preparations is not recommended without consulting your doctor or pharmacist. The substances they contain may interact with medications prescribed by the patient, reducing their therapeutic effectiveness or causing toxicity. They can also worsen the weakening of the body's vital functions, thus exposing the patient to increased morbidity and life-threatening risks.

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