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Description
Gleditsia Triacanthos F. Inermis Sunburst, commonly known as Sunburst Honeylocust, is a deciduous tree that belongs to the Fabaceae family. This tree is popular due to its unique golden-yellow foliage that emerges in the spring and lasts throughout the summer. The Sunburst Honeylocust is native to North America and can grow up to 40-50 feet tall and 30-40 feet wide.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Gleditsia |
Appearance
The Sunburst Honeylocust has a vase-shaped crown with an open branching structure. The leaves are pinnately compound and consist of small leaflets that are oval-shaped and serrated at the edges. The leaves are bright green in color during the summer but turn to a stunning golden-yellow color in the fall. The bark of the tree is light brown and has a rough texture.
Care Guide
The Sunburst Honeylocust can thrive in a variety of soil types but prefers well-drained soil. The tree requires moderate watering and should be watered deeply once a week during the growing season. Fertilize the tree in the early spring with a balanced fertilizer. The Sunburst Honeylocust is tolerant of full sun exposure and can grow in hardiness zones 4-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Sunburst Honeylocust is relatively pest and disease-free. However, the tree may be susceptible to cankers, leaf spot, and webworms. Regular pruning and sanitation practices can help prevent these issues.
Habitat
The Sunburst Honeylocust is native to North America and can be found throughout the eastern and central United States. The tree grows in a variety of habitats, including woodlands, prairies, and along rivers and streams.
Question and Answer
Q: How fast does the Sunburst Honeylocust tree grow?
A: The Sunburst Honeylocust tree can grow up to 2-3 feet per year.
Q: Can the Sunburst Honeylocust tree tolerate drought?
A: Yes, the Sunburst Honeylocust tree is drought-tolerant once established.
Q: When is the best time to prune the Sunburst Honeylocust tree?
A: The best time to prune the Sunburst Honeylocust tree is in the late winter or early spring before new growth appears.
Q: Does the Sunburst Honeylocust tree produce flowers or fruit?
A: Yes, the Sunburst Honeylocust tree produces small greenish-yellow flowers in the spring, but they are not very showy. The tree does not produce fruit.
Related Plants
- Gleditsia triacanthos
- Gleditsia triacanthos f. inermis
- Gleditsia triacanthos f. inermis Shademaster
- Gleditsia triacanthos f. inermis Skyline
References
- “Sunburst Honeylocust Tree Facts.” Garden Guides, https://www.gardenguides.com/130606-sunburst-honeylocust-tree-facts.html.
- “Gleditsia Triacanthos f. Inermis ‘Sunburst’.” Missouri Botanical Garden, https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=263918.
- “Sunburst Honeylocust.” The Tree Center, https://www.thetreecenter.com/sunburst-honeylocust/.
