Gleditsia Japonica

Description

Gleditsia Japonica, also known as the Japanese Honey Locust, is a deciduous tree that belongs to the Fabaceae family. It is native to Japan, Korea, and China and is widely grown as an ornamental tree in gardens and parks. The tree can grow up to 40 feet tall and has a spreading, umbrella-shaped crown. It has a moderate growth rate and can live up to 100 years.

Taxonomic Information

Appearance

The Gleditsia Japonica has an attractive appearance with its fern-like leaves and light green foliage. The leaves are pinnately compound, with 15-25 leaflets that are small and ovate. In the fall, the leaves turn a beautiful yellow color. The tree produces small, greenish-yellow flowers in the spring, followed by long, flat seed pods that can grow up to 12 inches long. The bark is smooth and grayish-brown, with prominent ridges and furrows.

Care Guide

Gleditsia Japonica is a relatively low-maintenance tree that is easy to care for. Here are some tips on how to care for this tree:

Water

The tree needs to be watered regularly during the growing season, especially during hot and dry weather. The soil should be kept moist, but not waterlogged. In the winter, the tree can tolerate drier conditions.

Fertilization

The tree does not require frequent fertilization, but it can benefit from an annual application of a slow-release fertilizer in the spring. The fertilizer should be spread evenly around the base of the tree.

Soil

The tree can grow in a variety of soils, but it prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil pH should be neutral to slightly acidic.

Sunlight

The tree prefers full sunlight, but it can tolerate partial shade.

Hardiness Zones

The tree is hardy in USDA zones 6-9.

Common Pests & Diseases

The Gleditsia Japonica is relatively pest and disease resistant, but it can be susceptible to some issues. Here are some common pests and diseases to watch out for:

Pests

• Aphids
• Spider mites
• Scale insects

Diseases

• Leaf spot
• Powdery mildew
• Root rot

Habitat

The Gleditsia Japonica is native to Japan, Korea, and China and is widely grown as an ornamental tree in gardens and parks. It prefers well-draining soil and full sunlight, but it can tolerate partial shade. The tree is hardy in USDA zones 6-9.

Question and Answer

Q: How tall can the Gleditsia Japonica grow?

A: The tree can grow up to 40 feet tall.

Q: What is the growth rate of the Gleditsia Japonica?

A: The tree has a moderate growth rate.

Q: What color do the leaves of the Gleditsia Japonica turn in the fall?

A: The leaves turn a beautiful yellow color in the fall.

Q: What pests are common on the Gleditsia Japonica?

A: Aphids, spider mites, and scale insects are common pests on the tree.

Related Plants

• Gleditsia Triacanthos (Honey Locust)
• Gleditsia Macracantha (Texas Honey Locust)
• Gleditsia Caspica (Caspian Honey Locust)

References

• Bang, K. H. (2009). Growth and physiological responses of Gleditsia japonica trees to urban air pollution. Journal of Plant Biology, 52(1), 62-68.
• Liu, J., Wei, X., Zhang, Y., & Wang, W. (2019). Phenotypic plasticity of leaf traits of Gleditsia japonica grown in a riparian zone under different light conditions. Forests, 10(9), 743.
• Missouri Botanical Garden. (n.d.). Gleditsia japonica. Retrieved from https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=279444&isprofile=0&basic=Gleditsia