Honey locust: Meaning (information, definition, explanation, facts)

The Honey locust (Gleditsia triacanthos) is a deciduous tree native to North America. It is mostly found in the moist soil of river valleys.

Honey locusts can reach a height of 20-30 meters (66-100 feet). They grow quickly, which make them useful plantings in areas where shade is wanted quickly, such as new parks or housing developments, and in disturbed and "reclaimed" environments, such as former surface mines. They are relatively short-lived, however, and prone to losing large branches in windstorms.

Honey locusts commonly have long, branching spines growing out of the twigs and branches. It has been suggested that they evolved to protect the trees from now-extinct large animals. Thornless forms (f. inermis) are occasionally found growing wild, and have been widely selected for horticultural use.

The leaves are compound, and dark green. They turn yellow in the fall. Strongly scented cream-colored flowers appear in late spring, in clusters emerging from the base of the leaf axils.

The pulp on the insides of the pods is edible and sweet; however, do not confuse this plant with Black locust, which is toxic. Interestingly Honey locust is not a significant honey plant, while Black locust honey is prized.

Some other species of Gleditsia are:
Gleditsia aquatica - Water locust
Gleditsia caspica - Caspian locust
Gleditsia sinensis - Chinese honey locust