Glenniea philippinensis

Gleditsia triacanthos, also known as the honey locust, is a deciduous tree native to central North America. It is mostly found in the moist soil of river valleys ranging from southeastern South Dakota to New Orleans and central Texas, and as far east as eastern Massachusetts.

Description

The Gleditsia triacanthos tree typically grows to a height of 66–98 ft (20–30 m). The leaves are pinnately compound on older trees but bipinnately compound on vigorous young trees. The leaflets are 1.5–2.5 cm (smaller on bipinnate leaves) and bright green. They turn yellow in the fall (autumn). The strongly scented cream-colored flowers appear in late spring, in clusters emerging from the base of the leaf axils.

Uses

The Gleditsia triacanthos tree is valued for its hard, durable, dark red-brown wood, which is used for fence posts, furniture, flooring, and shipping crates. The tree's twisted pods have been used as a substitute for soap, and its seeds are used as a coffee substitute. The tree is also used for honey production, and for its nitrogen-fixing properties, which enrich the soil.

Cultivation

Gleditsia triacanthos is a fast-growing tree, with a broad, open crown and elegant, slightly weeping branches. It is tolerant of a wide range of soil conditions, including high pH, and is drought and salt tolerant. It is often planted as an ornamental tree due to its attractive fall color and interesting pod and thorn characteristics.

Threats

The tree is susceptible to a number of diseases, including canker and leaf spot. It is also vulnerable to pests such as the honey locust plant bug, the honey locust borer, and the mimosa webworm.

See also

• List of Gleditsia species
• List of trees of the United States by state