Honey locust
Gleditsia triacanthos
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Pl. 4ACD — Gleditsia triacanthos
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IOverview
Overview
The Honey locust is a perennial tree or shrub native to several states in the United States, including Alabama, Arkansas, and Connecticut, among others. It is also found in various parts of Mexico. This plant is known for its edible parts, specifically the seeds and seedpods. The Honey locust is capable of thriving in a range of conditions, from full sun to dry or moist soil, and can tolerate different soil types, including sandy, medium, and clay. One of its distinctive features is its ability to grow into a tall tree, reaching heights of up to 20 meters. Its wide native range and adaptability make it a notable species in its family.
Quick answers
What is Honey locust?
The Honey locust is a perennial tree or shrub native to several states in the United States, including Alabama, Arkansas, and Connecticut, among others. It is also found in various parts of Mexico. This plant is known for its edible parts, specifically the seeds and seedpods.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
This plant thrives in full sun and can tolerate a range of soil types, from light and sandy to heavy clay, with a pH between 4.8 and 8. It is also adaptable to different moisture levels, growing well in both dry and moist conditions. Hardy in a variety of regions, its hardiness range is between 3 and 9. As a perennial, it can grow into a shrub or tree, reaching heights of up to 20 meters and widths of up to 17 meters. The edible parts of this plant are the seeds and seedpods.
Light
Full sun
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
3-9
Life cycle
Perennial
Habit
Shrub, Tree
Mature size
20.0 m × 17 m
Soil pH
4.8–8
For first-time growers
How to grow Honey locust for the first time
8steps
Start with planting a Honey locust tree in your garden for its hardiness and beauty, even if you can't harvest it.
- 1
What you'll need
A Honey locust sapling, gloves, a shovel, and some mulch.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in early spring or late fall when the ground is not frozen.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Ensure soil drains well; amend with compost if necessary. For containers, use a mix of light and heavy soils.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant saplings directly into the ground or a large pot. Dig a hole twice as wide but not deeper than the root ball.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist, especially if it's dry. Monitor for pests and diseases.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water deeply once a week during dry spells. Prune in late winter or early spring to maintain shape.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune annually to remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches. Harvest seedpods if desired for crafts.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting too deep, neglecting winter protection in colder zones.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:SeedSeedpod
Edible uses: Coffee, Drink, Gum, Sweetener
Other uses:Animal feedGumSoil reclamationTanninLumberFragrance
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 30 native
Asia1 region
native (1)Georgia
Broader regions
native:Nevada, Oklahoma, Mexico Northwest, Nebraska, New York, Ohio, Louisiana, Mexico Northeast, Mississippi, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, North Dakota, Massachusetts, Kansas, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Pennsylvania
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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