Honey Locust
Gleditsia triacanthos · Fabaceae (Legume, Pea, or Bean family)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrect
Leaf Morphology
Leaf Type
Pinnately compound (or bipinnately compound), deciduous
Shape
Oblong to elliptical leaflets with rounded to obtuse tips
Margin
Finely crenate or serrulate (with very small, subtle teeth)
Arrangement
Alternate on the twig, with leaflets arranged oppositely or sub-oppositely along the central rachis
Venation
Pinnate venation on individual leaflets with a prominent central midrib
Key Features
Once-pinnate and bipinnate compound leaves on the same tree, tiny rounded leaflets, and often large branched thorns on the trunk and branches of wild specimens
Description
The Honey Locust is a medium to large deciduous tree recognized for its open, graceful, spreading canopy and distinctive branching pattern. While wild types often feature formidable clusters of branched thorns along the trunk and branches, thornless cultivars are very popular in landscaping. The foliage creates a dappled, light shade due to the fine texture of its small leaflets. In late spring, it produces fragrant, greenish-yellow flowers followed by large, flat, twisted leathery brown pods.
Habitat
Typically found in moist, rich soils along streams and floodplains, but highly adaptable and frequently found in disturbed areas, pastures, and urban environments
Native Range
Native to central North America, ranging from Pennsylvania west to Nebraska and south to Texas; widely planted as an ornamental throughout North America and other temperate regions