Honeylocust

(Gleditsia triacanthos)

Honeylocust (Gleditsia triacanthos)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Gleditsia triacanthos, commonly known as Honeylocust, is a deciduous tree native to central and eastern North America, particularly thriving in river valleys and floodplains as well as dry, rocky soils of upland regions. It typically grows to a height of 20–30 meters (65–100 feet) with a fast growth rate and a medium lifespan of about 120 years. The tree’s open, spreading canopy and finely textured, bright green leaflets create a light, dappled shade. The leaflets turn yellow in the autumn, adding seasonal interest. Honeylocust leafs out later in spring compared to many other trees, including the black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia). Its cream-colored, fragrant flowers bloom in late spring, with clusters emerging from the base of the leaf axils, though they are not particularly showy.

The Honeylocust is valued for its adaptability to urban conditions, including tolerance to compacted soil, road salt, alkaline soil, heat, and drought. Its ease of transplanting and fast growth rate make it a popular choice for providing quick shade in new parks, housing developments, and in disturbed or reclaimed sites such as mine tailings. It is often used as a street tree or in landscape design for its open, airy canopy. In cultivation, it requires full sun, low water once established, and thrives in a variety of soil types with medium to slow drainage. Popular cultivars include ’Sunburst’ and ’Skyline’, which are chosen for their improved form and foliage color. However, it can have issues with pests such as webworms and borers, and its large thorns can be a hazard. Additionally, it is potentially invasive outside its native range, so gardeners should check local guidelines before planting.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Tree
  • Height: 60-80 feet
  • Width: 25-40 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: N/A
  • Flowering Season: Spring
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun
  • Water: Low
  • Drainage: Medium, Slow

Common Uses

Bank Stabilization, Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Fire Resistant, Fragrant, Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant, Salt Tolerant, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

Central and eastern North America, particularly thriving in river valleys and floodplains as well as dry, rocky soils of upland regions

Other Names

Common Names: Three-Thorn-Acacia , Honey-Locust , Sweet-Bean , Sweet-Locust , Honey Locust , Sweet Locust , Thorny Locust , Three-Thorned Acacia , Common Honeylocust , Amerikaanse Driedoring

Scientific Names: Gleditsia triacanthos , Gleditsia triacanthos var. inermis , Gleditsia ferox , Gleditschia triacanthos , Vachellia villaregalis , Gleditsia triacanthus , Acacia villaregalis , Gleditsia triacanthos var. bujotii , Gleditsia triacanthos f. elegantissima , Acacia triacanthos

GBIF Accepted Name: Gleditsia triacanthos L.