The native species of honey-locust has large thorns on its stems and bark. For this reason, thornless honey-locust (Gleditsia triacanthos f. inermis), is most commonly sold. For the sake of species diversity, it should only be planted after careful consideration of alternatives. The species may be difficult to find in nurseries. Most nurseries will carry the thornless form.
This species is native to the Chicago region according to Swink and Wilhelm’s Plants of the Chicago Region, with updates made according to current research.
- Family (English) Pea
- Family (botanic) Fabaceae (formerly Leguminosae)
- Planting site City parkway, Residential and parks, Restricted sites, Wide median
- Tree or plant type Tree
- Foliage Deciduous (seasonally loses leaves)
- Native locale Chicago area, Illinois, North America
- Size range Medium tree (25-40 feet), Large tree (more than 40 feet)
- Mature height 30-70 feet
- Mature width 30-70 feet
- Light exposure Full sun (6 hrs direct light daily)
- Hardiness zones Zone 3, Zone 4, Zone 5 (Northern Illinois), Zone 6 (City of Chicago), Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9
- Soil preference Moist, well-drained soil
- Drought tolerance Sensitive
- Other tolerances Alkaline soil, clay soil, Dry sites, Road salt, Wet sites
- Season of interest early fall
- Flower color and fragrance Inconspicuous
- Shape or form Broad, Round
- Growth rate Fast
- Transplants well Yes
- Planting considerations Commonly planted, Dangerous thorns
- Wildlife Migrant birds
- Has cultivars Yes
