Common Honeylocust

General
Scientific Name: Gleditsia triacanthos
Family: Fabaceae (Legume)
Hardiness: Zone 4
Leaves: Deciduous
Plant Type: Tree
Growth
Rate: Fast
Mature Height: >45’
Longevity: Long
Power Line: No
Ornamental
Flowers: Inconspicuous
Fruit: Reddish-brown pod
Fall Color: Yellow

A fast-growing medium-to-large sized tree adapted to a wide variety of soils, including alkaline. Very susceptible to winter dieback, but hardier cultivars have become available. The largest tree in North Dakota is 60 feet tall with a canopy spread of 40 feet.

Light: Full sun.
Water: Prefers moist, well drained soils.
Soil: Adaptable to many soil types including high pH, salt tolerant and drought conditions.

The pods contain a sweetish, gummy substance from which the name honeylocust is derived. Most cultivars are podless (seedless), though occasionally bear a few seed pods.

In its native habitat in the central and southern Great Plains, honeylocust is often laden with multi-branched thorns from 3”-6” long. However, a number of thornless varieties are available and are more appropriate for landscape situations. Some varieties are:

Northern Acclaim® - very cold hardy; NDSU release.

Imperial® - rounded crown. May bear a few fruit.

Skyline® - more upright, sith an open crown.