Honey locust (Gleditsia triacanthos)

Also known as: Thornless Honey-Locust, Common Honey Locust, Thorny locust

The Honey Locust (Gleditsia triacanthos) is a deciduous tree indigenous to central North America. Its trunk is notable for being adorned with thorns, which start off soft and green but become hard and brittle as they mature. These thorns can grow quite large, reaching lengths of up to 20 cm.

In This Article

Care Tips Water Sunlight Temperature Soil Fertilize Prune Propagation Repotting Toxicity

Attributes of Honey locust

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Tree

Plant Height

15 m to 40 m

Spread

15 m

Leaf Color

Green Yellow

Flower Size

6 mm to 7 mm

Flower Color

Green Yellow White

Images of Honey locust

Quickly Identify Honey locust

Distinctive twisted pods, 12-18 inches (30-46 cm), change from reddish-brown to dark black when ripe.

Compound leaves with shiny dark green upper surface and yellow-green underside, 5-8 inches (12.7-20.3 cm) long.

Clusters of small greenish-yellow flowers in hanging clusters, 2-3 inches (5-8 cm) long, emit sweet fragrance.

Stout three-forked spines, 2-3 inches (5-7.5 cm) long, on stems and trunk, with rough, grayish-brown surface.

Mature tree displays flat-topped crown for dappled shade, reaching 80 feet (24 meters) tall.

Scientific Classification of Honey locust

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Fabales

Family

Legume

Genus

Honey locusts

Species

Honey locust

Planting and Growing of Honey locust

Care Difficulty

Easy

Watering Schedule

Every 4 days

Sunlight Requirements

Full sun

Sunshine Duration

4-8 hours

Ideal Temperature

68-86℉

Soil Type

Potting Mix, Peat Mix

Soil pH

6.5-7.5

Fertilizer Type

Balanced

Pruning Season

Spring, Summer

Pruning Area

Branches, Leaves

Pruning Frequency

2 times a year

Repotting Season

Spring

Pot Type

Plastic, Ceramic

How to Water Honey locust?

Gleditsia triacanthos requires a moderate amount of water, approximately 1000 milliliters per session. The key principle is to ensure the soil is thoroughly moistened, but not waterlogged. Allow the topsoil to dry out slightly before the next watering to maintain optimal root health.

What are the symptoms of an underwatered Honey locust? ›

What should I do if my Honey locust is not getting enough water? ›

What are the symptoms of an overwatered Honey locust? ›

How to save an overwatered Honey locust? ›

What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Honey locust?

Sunlight Requirements: Full sun

Duration of light: 6 to 8 hours

Gleditsia triacanthos thrives in full sun, requiring 6 to 8 hours of sunlight daily. Access to optimal light ensures robust growth, promotes lush foliage, and supports flowering, ultimately enhancing its decorative and ecological benefits in gardens.

What is the best light condition for growth? ›

How can I provide ideal light conditions? ›

What benefits come from ideal light exposure? ›

What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Honey locust?

Ideal Temperature: 68 ~ 86℉

Gleditsia triacanthos thrives best when the temperature is between 68°F and 86°F. This range allows the plant to undergo optimal photosynthesis, ensuring strong growth and foliage development. Consistent exposure to these temperatures will contribute to the overall health and aesthetic appearance of the plant.

What Soil is Best for Honey locust?

Soil type: Loam, Sandy loam, Clay soil

Soil PH: 6.5 ~ 7.5

Gleditsia triacanthos thrives in well-drained soil conditions. Adequate drainage prevents waterlogging, which can lead to root rot and other diseases, ensuring healthy growth and survival of the plant. Moderate soil fertility is optimal for this plant. It benefits from soils that provide just enough nutrients without excessive richness which can lead to weak growth and poor structural integrity. The plant adapts well to a variety of soil textures, from sandy loams to clays. This flexibility makes it a versatile choice for varying landscapes, capable of adjusting to different soil environments without loss of vitality.

How to Fertilize Honey locust?

Fertilizer type: Balanced

Gleditsia triacanthos, commonly known as the honey locust, typically requires moderate fertilization. Apply around 1 to 1.5 pounds of complete fertilizer per 100 square feet. Ensure that the NPK ratio is balanced, such as 10-10-10, to support overall growth, root development, and foliage health. Overapplication can lead to nutrient runoff and environmental harm.

How to Prune Honey locust?

Pruning Time: Spring, Summer

Begin pruning in late winter or early spring before new growth appears. Use sharp, clean pruning shears to remove any dead, diseased, or damaged branches. Focus on shaping the tree by cutting back long or awkwardly placed branches to a lateral bud or branch. Ensure each cut is made at a slight angle, sloping away from the bud to prevent water accumulation and potential rot. For larger branches, utilize the three-cut method to avoid stripping bark from the trunk. Always work from the base of the tree upwards, and step back periodically to assess your progress and maintain symmetry.

How to Propagate Honey locust plant?

Propagate Time: Spring, Early spring

Begin by collecting healthy seeds from mature Gleditsia triacanthos pods. Ensure the seeds are fully matured and dry before storing them in a cool, dry place until sowing.

Prepare a well-draining potting mix, rich in organic matter. Fill seed trays or pots with the mix and slightly compact the soil to create an even surface for the seeds.

Sow the seeds on the surface of the prepared soil, covering them lightly with a thin layer of soil. Water gently to keep the soil moist but not soggy, promoting faster germination.

How to Repot Honey locust plant?

Repotting frequency: Every 2-3 years

Gleditsia triacanthos signals it's time for repotting when roots start to emerge from the pot's drainage holes, indicating they are outgrowing their current space. Also, if the plant shows signs of stunted growth or needs frequent watering, these are telltale signs. Ideally, repot during spring or autumn when the plant is naturally more resilient to changes.

Selecting an appropriate pot is crucial for the healthy growth of honey locust. Choose a pot that is 1-2 inches larger than the current one to allow enough space for root expansion. A pot with good drainage holes prevents water accumulation, reducing the risk of root rot and promoting healthy root systems.

Utilize a rich, well-draining soil mix suitable for Gleditsia triacanthos, which provides essential nutrients and ensures efficient drainage. A mix with peat, perlite, and organic matter keeps the soil aerated and promotes root health, supporting optimal growth and a more robust plant.

Toxicity of Honey locust

Is Honey locust toxic to cat?

Honey locust presents a risk to the health of felines and is categorized among the plants known for their toxic properties. Felines may inadvertently consume different parts of the honey locust, with its seeds being especially dangerous. If ingested, cats could experience significant distress and may show symptoms that are associated with poisoning, which can vary from mild to severe. To reduce the potential hazards and prevent the worsening of symptoms, it is crucial for cat owners to keep a vigilant eye on their pets and to seek prompt veterinary assistance if poisoning is suspected. Timely intervention at a veterinary facility is essential to safeguard the health and recovery of the affected cat.

Is Honey locust toxic to dog?

Honey locust is recognized as a harmful plant for canines. If dogs accidentally consume parts of this plant, they can experience poisoning, particularly from the seeds, which are notably toxic. After ingesting honey locust, a dog may show a range of symptoms that indicate poisoning. It is vital for dog owners to keep a close watch on their pets and restrict access to the seeds of honey locust. In the event that a dog ingests any portion of honey locust, especially the seeds, it is imperative to seek prompt veterinary assistance to ensure the best outcome for the affected pet.

WARNING

The judgment on toxicity and danger is for reference only. We DO NOT GUARANTEE any accuracy of such judgment. Therefore, you SHALL NOT rely on such judgment. It is IMPORTANT TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL ADVICE in advance when necessary.