Description

Gleditsia triacanthos, also known as the honey locust, is a deciduous tree in the Fabaceae or Leguminosae family. It is tolerant but prefers well-drained, sunny soils. Its dark green bipinnate leaves (divided into small leaflets) are 15 to 30 cm long. The branches of the honey locust are covered with thorns that can grow to 15 cm. Some cultivated varieties are thornless, making them more suitable for public spaces and gardens. The flowers are small and yellow, grouped in hanging clusters. They appear before the leaves. The fruit is a flat, dark brown pod containing seeds surrounded by a sweet pulp.

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Origin

Gleditsia triacanthos is native to North America, where it grows naturally in the United States, Canada and Mexico. It is abundant in the Great Lakes and Mississippi Valley regions. It has been widely planted in other parts of the world for its wood, shade and ornamental appeal. Its wood is durable and rot-resistant, making it a valuable material for building furniture, fences and other structures. It is often planted for ornamental purposes in parks, gardens and along streets. Its flowers provide a source of nectar for bees and other pollinators, making it a popular tree with beekeepers.