Honey Locust
Gleditsia triacanthos
Fabaceae
Photo by Placeholder via System Generated • CC0 (2025-05-28)
Description
Honey Locust is a fast-growing native tree with delicate, fern-like foliage that casts filtered shade. Popular in Buffalo for urban plantings due to its tolerance of salt and pollution. The thornless variety is commonly planted, though wild trees have formidable thorns.
Characteristics
Leaf Type
compound
Leaf Shape
bipinnately or pinnately compound with small leaflets
Height
60-80 feet
Bark
dark gray-brown with deep furrows and scaly ridges
Fruit
long twisted pods 12-18 inches
Identification Tips
- • Delicate, fern-like compound leaves
- • Wild trees have large branched thorns
- • Long twisted seed pods
- • Open, spreading crown
- • Deeply furrowed bark
Seasonal Changes
Spring
Leaves emerge late with yellow-green color
Summer
Filtered shade from delicate compound leaves
Fall
Yellow fall color, drops leaves early
Winter
Twisted pods persist, open branching visible
Habitat & Growing Conditions
Hardiness Zones
3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Soil Preference
adaptable, tolerates salt, various pH
Sun Requirements
full sun
Image Gallery
Winter
Photo by Placeholder via System Generated • CC0