Honey Locust

Gleditsia triacanthos, also known as Honey Locust, was introduced from America in 1700. This large and elegant deciduous tree takes its common name from the sticky, sweet resin found inside its seed pods.

It develops a broad, oval crown and has attractive, fern-like foliage made up of many small, oval-shaped dark green leaflets. These turn yellow in autumn, while small green-white flowers appear in summer. As the tree matures, its long, glossy seed pods become a particularly striking feature.

A good choice for parks, industrial areas and other large open spaces, it performs well in most soils and can be planted in either exposed or sheltered positions. It prefers full sun and is rated H6 for hardiness.

Also known as Thorny Locust, this species can be very thorny, so care should be taken when handling or working around the tree. It typically develops a spread of more than 8m.

Mature height: 20m+

Common names

Honey Locust

Height of tree

20m+

Soil type

Will tolerate most soil types

Shape

Rounded

Foliage Colour

Green

Looks good in

Summer

Location

Parkland

Genus

Gleditsia