Contents
Description
Gleditsia Triacanthos, commonly known as honey locust, is a deciduous tree that belongs to the Fabaceae family. Honey locust is native to North America and can grow up to 30-70 feet tall. The tree has a gray-brown bark that is rough and deeply furrowed with large thorns on its branches. Honey locust is known for its beautiful foliage and ability to attract bees and butterflies.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Gleditsia |
Appearance
The leaves of the honey locust are pinnate with many small leaflets that turn yellow in the fall. The tree produces fragrant, yellow-green flowers in the spring, followed by long, twisted, flat seed pods that mature in the fall. The fruit of the honey locust is edible and tastes sweet, hence its name. The tree has a deep root system and can tolerate drought conditions.
Care Guide
To care for honey locust, it is important to ensure that it receives adequate water, especially during the first year of growth. The tree prefers well-drained soil and can tolerate a range of soil types. It is recommended to fertilize honey locust in the early spring with a balanced fertilizer. Honey locust prefers full sun exposure and can tolerate a range of hardiness zones.
Common Pests & Diseases
Honey locust can be susceptible to a variety of pests and diseases, including spider mites, cankerworms, and stem borers. The tree is also susceptible to leaf spot and powdery mildew. It is important to maintain good tree health and to promptly address any signs of pests or diseases to prevent further damage.
Habitat
Honey locust is native to North America and can be found in a variety of habitats, including woodlands, prairies, and savannas. The tree is also commonly planted in urban areas as a shade tree or ornamental tree.
Question and Answer
Q: Is honey locust a fast-growing tree?
A: Yes, honey locust is known for its fast growth rate.
Q: Can honey locust tolerate drought conditions?
A: Yes, honey locust has a deep root system and can tolerate drought conditions.
Q: Is the fruit of the honey locust edible?
A: Yes, the fruit of the honey locust is edible and tastes sweet.
Q: What are some common pests and diseases that honey locust is susceptible to?
A: Honey locust can be susceptible to spider mites, cankerworms, stem borers, leaf spot, and powdery mildew.
Related Plants
- Gleditsia Caspica
- Gleditsia Japonica
- Gleditsia Macracantha
- Gleditsia Triacanthos var. inermis
References
- Dirr, M. A. (2009). Dirr’s Trees and Shrubs for Warm Climates: An Illustrated Encyclopedia. Timber Press.
- Harris, R. W., & Clark, J. R. (1991). Arboriculture: Integrated Management of Landscape Trees, Shrubs, and Vines. Prentice-Hall.
- Missouri Botanical Garden. (n.d.). Gleditsia Triacanthos. Retrieved from http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c174
