Honeylocust (Gleditsia )
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The honeylocust grows to a height of 75 feet and a diameter of 30 inches. It grows under a wide variety of soil and moisture conditions and prefers full sun. The thornless varieties of this tree make beautiful shade trees and are well adapted for street and ornamental planting. The crown is fairly open, and with the fine-textured foliage, allows trf to be successfully grown under the tree. This tree is susceptible to several canker diseases, especially right after transplanting or otherwise stressed. Spider mites, podgall midge and honeylocust plant bug can seriously damage the foliage. | |
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The leaves are alternate and feather-like with 18—28 leaflets, turning bright gold in fall. | |
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The fruit is a pod, 10 to 18 inches long and one to two inches wide, often twisted. It is dark brown or black when ripe, and lasts well into winter, providing food for many animals. | |
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The bark on old trees is dark gray and is divided into thin, tight scales. | |
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Older varieties have thorny branches and trunks. |
Photos: Judy Sedbrook
