Gleditsia triacanthos
Gleditsia triacanthos are generally called Honey Locust, but sometimes referred to as thorny locust or thorny honeylocust. They are deciduous trees native to North America, where they tend to be found in moist soil in river valleys. However, it is highly adaptable, so much so it is an aggressive invasive species in some places where it has been introduced by humans.
A fast growing tree it can reach a height of 30 meters and has a wide spread. Often grown as an ornamental for its Autumn colour when the leaves turn yellow and for its creamy white Spring blossom. The seeds form in pods which drop and are primarily spread by grazing animals eating the pods and leaving them in their droppings.
They are often planted in cities as shade trees as they tolerate poor soils, drought, heat and road salt.
Funky Facts File: Despite the name it is not a particularly useful honey tree, the name rather derives from the sweet taste of the pulp found in the seed pods, which was used in medicine by native Americans.
