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{{SPlantbox
{{SPlantbox
|genus=Gleditsia
|genus=Gleditsia
|species=triacanthos
|species=triacanthos
|Max wd metric=ft
|Max wd metric=ft
|width_ref=Flora - A Gardener's Encyclopedia ISBN 0881925381
|width_ref=Flora - A Gardener's Encyclopedia ISBN 0881925381
|exposure=sun
|exposure=sun
|sun_ref=Flora - A Gardener's Encyclopedia ISBN 0881925381
|sun_ref=Flora - A Gardener's Encyclopedia ISBN 0881925381
The '''Honey locust''' (''Gleditsia triacanthos'') is a [[deciduous]] [[tree]] native to eastern [[North America]]. It is mostly found in the moist soil of river valleys.
The '''Honey locust''' (''Gleditsia triacanthos'') is a [[deciduous]] [[tree]] native to eastern [[North America]]. It is mostly found in the moist soil of river valleys.
Honey locusts can reach a height of 20–30 m (66–100 ft), with fast growth, and are relatively short-lived; about 120 years, some living up to 150. They are also prone to losing large branches in windstorms. The [[leaf|leaves]] are pinnately compound on older trees but [[bipinnate]]ly 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]]). Leafs out relatively late in spring, but generally slightly earlier than the [[black locust]] (''[[Robinia]] pseudoacacia''). The strongly scented cream-colored [[flower]]s appear in late spring, in clusters emerging from the base of the leaf axils.
Honey locusts can reach a height of 20–30 m (66–100 ft), with fast growth, and are relatively short-lived; about 120 years, some living up to 150. They are also prone to losing large branches in windstorms. The [[leaf|leaves]] are pinnately compound on older trees but [[bipinnate]]ly 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]]). Leafs out relatively late in spring, but generally slightly earlier than the [[black locust]] (''[[Robinia]] pseudoacacia''). The strongly scented cream-colored [[flower]]s appear in late spring, in clusters emerging from the base of the leaf axils.
The [[fruit]] of the Honey locust is a flat [[legume]] (pod) that matures between September and October. The pods are generally between 15–20 cm. The pulp on the insides of the [[legume|pods]] is edible, unlike the [[Black locust]], which is toxic.
The [[fruit]] of the Honey locust is a flat [[legume]] (pod) that matures between September and October. The pods are generally between 15–20 cm. The pulp on the insides of the [[legume|pods]] is edible, unlike the [[Black locust]], which is toxic.
Honey locusts commonly have [[spine (botany)|thorn]]s 3–10 cm long growing out of the branches; these may be single, or branched into several points, and commonly form dense clusters. The thorns are fairly soft and green when young, harden and turn red as they age, then fade to ash grey and turn brittle when mature. Thornless forms (G. t. ''inermis'') are occasionally found growing wild.
Honey locusts commonly have [[spine (botany)|thorn]]s 3–10 cm long growing out of the branches; these may be single, or branched into several points, and commonly form dense clusters. The thorns are fairly soft and green when young, harden and turn red as they age, then fade to ash grey and turn brittle when mature. Thornless forms (G. t. ''inermis'') are occasionally found growing wild.
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