This deciduous tree has an erect trunk with spreading branches that have large thorns and form a broad crown. It has light green fern-like leaves and the small greenish yellow flowers appear from spring to early summer.

Hardiness zones 3 to 10

Gleditsia triacanthos is naturally found in North America from Pennsylvania to Nebraska and extending to Texas. It grows in a variety of well drained moderately fertile moist soils in an open sunny position and is frost, salt and drought tolerant.

The Honey Locust is grown for its habit and autumn colour. It is planted in parks and gardens as a specimen or as a street tree. It is also used as a fodder plant or grown in golf courses and is used as a timber tree. It establishes in 3 to 5 years and is very adaptable though prone to insects or disease attack. ID 342

Gleditsia(gle-DITS-ee-a) triacanthos(tri-a-KĂNTH-os)

'Gleditsia': after 18th century German botanist Professor Johan Gleditsch; 'triacanthos': three spines.

Fabaceae (fab-AY-see-ee)