honey locust - Gleditsia triacanthos
Common Name: honey locust
Scientific Name: Family: Fabaceae Genus: Gleditsia Species: triacanthos Hardiness Zone: 3 to 8 Height: 60 to 80 ft Width: 60 to 80 ft Description: The honey locust was one of the most popular trees to be used after the decline of the American elm. Over-planting was done prior to the realization that honey locust is quite susceptible to damage by disease and insects. This is problematic, though should not take away from the fact that honey locust shows a high tolerance to urban conditions that make it a valuable urban tree if used correctly. Proper pruning and maintenance is essential to fostering longevity and tree vigor. Honey locust tends to reach about 60 to 80 ft tall, though often slightly smaller in the urban setting. Its spreading crown and distinctive bipinnately to pinnately compound leaves are quite distinctive. Flat, rounded purplish-brown seedpods appear in early summer and will persist through much of the winter. Large, sharp thorns pose problems for the use of this tree in cities. Using one of the thornless varieties is recommended. References: Gleditsia triocanthus. Missouri Botanical Garden. http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=a871. Accessed 06 June 2018. |