honeylocust (Gleditsia triacanthos)
Family: Caesalpiniaceae
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| Form:
This is a medium-sized tree reaching 40-90 ft in height. It generally has a open crown. |
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Leaves: [if 789 not_equals=””] Shape: small and oblong leaflets with mucrose tip[/if 100] Margin: entire Texture: glabrous Variation: N/A |
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| Bark:
The bark is thin and smooth when young, but develops a dark purplish gray tint with large thorns. It often peels in large pieces. |
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| Twigs and Buds:
It has large 2-3 branched thorns extending from the twigs. |
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| Flowers and Fruit:
Flowers are greenish yellow and found in clusters at the leaf base. The fruit is a legume that is found in a large twisted pod. |
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| Distinguishing Characteristics:
Look for thorned branches, the pea-pod seed, and bi-pinnately compound leaves. |
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| Range:
It is found in Michigan south to west Texas and east along the western slopes of the Appalachians. |
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| Silvics:
Honeylocust in intolerant of shade. It occurs naturally on moist bottom lands, but can survive when planted on drier sites. |
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| Ecological and Cultural Importance:
It is often used as a local source of wood for fence posts and furniture. Livestock and various species of wildlife eat the seed pods. |
