Benefits of Having a Honey Locust Tree

The honey locust (Gleditsia triacanthos) is a deciduous tree native to North America, recognized for its resilience and adaptability to a wide range of climates and conditions. The tree grows to a height of 60-80 feet, forming a rounded, spreading crown. Its leaves are compound, composed of many small leaflets that create a fine, feathery texture. While the native species has thorns that can grow up to three inches long, numerous cultivated varieties are available that have been bred to be thornless.

Desirable Landscaping Characteristics

One of the honey locust’s most valued traits is the type of shade it produces. The small, delicate leaflets create a dappled, filtered light rather than a dense shade. This allows turfgrass and other partial-shade plants to grow successfully beneath its canopy.

The tree is also known for its rapid growth, with young trees capable of growing more than two feet per year under good conditions. Aesthetically, the honey locust provides a graceful, airy silhouette in the landscape. Its pinnately compound leaves give it a fine texture that culminates in a brilliant yellow fall color.

The wild form of the tree has large, sharp thorns along its trunk and branches, which are a considerable hazard in a domestic landscape. Varieties such as ‘Shademaster’, ‘Sunburst’, and ‘Skyline’ are widely available and are thornless. Many are also seedless, which prevents the mess from dropped seed pods.

Ecological and Soil Contributions

The honey locust makes contributions to the surrounding environment and is known for its hardiness. The tree displays a tolerance for difficult growing conditions common in urban and suburban areas. It can withstand drought, soil compaction, roadway salt spray, and a variety of pollutants, making it a reliable choice for challenging sites like sidewalk cutouts and parking lot islands.

As a member of the legume family (Fabaceae), the honey locust plays a role in soil enrichment. While the exact mechanism is a subject of ongoing study, the tree is known to contribute nitrogen to the soil, which benefits its own growth and that of surrounding vegetation. Research suggests this may occur as its nitrogen-rich leaves decompose, gradually improving soil fertility over time. This ability allows it to thrive in nutrient-poor soils where other trees might struggle.

The tree also supports local wildlife and pollinator populations. In late spring, it produces small, greenish-yellow flowers that, while not particularly showy, are fragrant and rich in nectar. These blossoms provide a food source for bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects.

Agricultural and Utilitarian Value

The honey locust has a long history of practical use, particularly in agriculture. The tree produces long, leathery seed pods that contain a sweet, nutritious pulp. These pods are a high-energy fodder for livestock, including cattle, goats, and sheep, and are often compared to oats in terms of their feed value. The pods drop from late fall into the winter, providing a supplemental food source when other pasture forages are dormant.

Its wood is dense, hard, strong, and shock-resistant. It possesses good rot resistance, making it a durable material for outdoor applications. Historically and today, the timber has been used for products that require strength and longevity, such as fence posts, railroad ties, furniture, and tool handles.

The tree holds a place in human history. The sweet pulp inside the seed pods, which gives the tree its common name, was used by Native Americans as a food source and a natural sweetener. Early settlers adopted this practice. During the Civil War, the thorns of the native species were reportedly used by Confederate soldiers as pins to fasten their uniforms.