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The Honey locust (Gleditsia triacanthos) is a deciduous tree native to North America. It is mostly found in the moist
soil of river valleys.
Thorns .
Honey locusts can reach a height of 20-30 meters (66-100 feet). They grow quickly, which make them useful plantings in areas
where shade is wanted quickly, such as new parks or housing developments, and in disturbed and "reclaimed" environments, such as
former surface mines. They are relatively short-lived, however, and prone to losing large branches in windstorms.
The leaves are compound, and dark green. They turn yellow in the fall. Strongly scented
cream-colored flowers appear in late Spring, in clusters emerging from the base of the
leaf axes.
Honey locusts have long, branching spines growing out of the twigs. It has been suggested that they evolved to protect the
trees from now-extinct large animals. Thornless forms (f. inermis) are occasionally found growing wild, and have been
widely selected for horticultural use.
The pulp on the insides of the pods is edible and sweet; however, do not confuse this plant with black locust, which is toxic. Interestingly honey locust is not a significant honey plant, while black locust honey is prized.
Some other species of Gleditsia are:
Gleditsia aquatica - Water
locust
Gleditsia caspica - Caspian locust
Gleditsia sinensis - Chinese honey locust
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