Honey Locust
ExploreTrees
Honey Locust
Gleditsia triacanthos
The Honey Locust tree has thorns and sweet pods that animals love to eat. Its leaves turn a beautiful golden color in the fall, making it a lovely sight in parks and gardens.
Habitat: Parks, Gardens
Appearance
The Honey Locust has sharp, often branched thorns on its trunk and branches, making it visually distinct. Its delicate, fern-like leaves turn golden in autumn, and it produces long, flattened, purplish-brown seed pods.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderFabalesFamilyFabaceaeGenusGleditsia
Category
TreesRarity
Common
Danger
2/5 · Low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Ancient animals like mammoths might have helped spread Honey Locust seeds!
Early settlers used Honey Locust thorns as needles and nails!
Its wood is very hard, once used for fence posts and furniture!
Some Honey Locust varieties are thornless, perfect for parks!
Special abilities
Ability
Spiky Shield Power
Honey Locust has fierce, sharp thorns that help it defend against hungry plant-eaters trying to munch on its tender branches.
Ability
Sweet Pod Lure
Honey Locust produces sweet, edible pods that attract animals, helping spread its seeds far and wide to grow new trees.
Ability
Root Power
Honey Locust has incredibly tough roots that help it survive in dry soil and even polluted city environments.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 15-30 m
- Canopy Spread
- 10-15 m
- Edible
- Yes
- Trunk Diameter
- 60-90 cm
- Lifespan
- 80-120 years
- Fruit Type
- Legume pod
- Growth Rate
- Fast
- Leaf Type
- Deciduous
Ecological connections
parasitizes
Honey Locust Pod Gall Midge
Dasineura gleditschiae
larvae cause galls on leaves
eats
Raccoon
Procyon lotor
consumes sweet seed pods, aiding dispersal
shelters
White Oak
Quercus alba
often grows alongside in native woodlands
shelters
Northern Flicker
Colaptes auratus
often nests in cavities or branches
Traits
Deciduous
Deciduous plants periodically shed all their leaves, typically during autumn or dry seasons.
Fruit Bearing
Fruit-bearing plants produce fruits, which are the mature ovaries of flowering plants containing seeds.
Thorny Stem
Pertaining to plants that have stems covered with sharp, pointed projections for defense.
Fall Color
Fall color refers to the seasonal change in foliage pigmentation, primarily in deciduous plants, displaying vibrant hues.
Urban Friendly
This habitat trait indicates species that can coexist with humans in urban and suburban environments, utilizing man-made structures and green spaces.
Also known as
Sweet LocustThorny Locust
Safety
Danger
2/5 · Low
Watch out for the thorns on the Honey Locust tree and avoid touching them.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is Honey Locust?
15-30 m
How wide does Honey Locust spread?
10-15 m
Is Honey Locust edible?
Yes
How big is Honey Locust?
60-90 cm
How long does Honey Locust live?
80-120 years
Where is Honey Locust usually found?
Parks, Gardens
What kind of fruit does Honey Locust produce?
Legume pod
How fast does Honey Locust grow?
Fast
Snap Map
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Recent Snaps
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Where to spot
Park18 sightings15 species
Pennsylvania, US
Haym Salomon Memorial Park
You might spot Fleabanes and Horseweeds and Honey Locust.
View guide →
Park23 sightings13 species
Illinois, US
Palmer Square Park
You might spot Downy Woodpecker, American Robin, and American Crow.
View guide →
Park85 sightings13 species
Indiana, US
Town Run Trail Park
You might spot Six-Spotted Tiger Beetle, Garlic Mustard, and Vulture.
View guide →
Park105 sightings10 species
Virginia, US
Bready Park
You might spot Osage-Orange, Willow Oak, and Kousa Dogwood.
View guide →
Park70 sightings9 species
Maryland, US
Bill Burton Fishing Pier State Park
You might spot Bufflehead, Common Goldeneye, and Duck.
View guide →
Park60 sightings5 species
Colorado, US
Observatory Park
You might spot Common Dandelion, Apple Tree, and Dwarf Mallow.
View guide →
