Gleditsia triacanthos - Honey Locust

Gleditsia triacanthos is a deciduous, fast growing tree. It has an open habit, casting only a light shade underneath its canopy. Tolerance of pollution makes it an ideal tree for urban planting.

Thornless varieties such as Sunburst and Inermis are available though they will produce few, if any, seed pods. Sunburst makes a good substitute for Robinia pseudoacacia Frisia which can be brittle.

In the past, the pulp for the seed pods has been used to brew beer and the thorns used for nails. There is a small market for Honey Locust furniture as it is a high quality wood which polishes well.

FACT: The name honey locust comes from the sweet pulp inside the seed pods which was eaten by Native Americans.