Thornless Honey Locust

(Leguminosae)

Interesting Information About Plant:

     Thornless Honey Locust plants are planted for erosion control, wind breaks and as shade and ornamental trees.  They are fast growing and adapt well to many types of soil.  They tolerate air pollution well and are often planted along city streets where there is a lot of pollution. The tree derives the name "Honey" from the sweet, honey-like substance found in its pods.  The fruits are often eaten by cattle and hogs.  Rabbits sometimes inflict harm on these trees if they gnaw on the bark.  The Thornless Honey Locust forms large surface roots and is diesase resistant.  The Cherokes in Tennessee made bows from the tree's durable and strong wood.  Also, in the fall the leaves shrivel up to nothing so they don't have to be raked up!

Family Name (Scientific and Common):  Leguminosae

Continent of Origin:  Native to North America

Most Distinguishing Morphological Features of This Plant:  The long, brown pods it has as fruit and the fragrant yellow follows it produces

Plant Growth Habit:  Large Tree

Height at Maturity:  More than 10 Feet

Life Span: Perennial

Seasonal Habit:  Deciduous Perennial

Growth Habitat: Full Sun

Manner of Culture:  Landscape Shrub-Vine-Tree

Thorns on Younger Stem?:  No

Cross Section of Younger Stem: Roundish

Stem (or Trunk) Diameter: More Than The Diameter of a Coffee-Mug

Produces Brownish Bark?: Yes

Bark Peeling in Many Areas?: Yes

Characteristics of Mature (Brownish) Bark:  Bumpy

Type of Leaf:  Flat, Thin Leaf

Length of Leaf (or Leaflet): Less than Length of a Credit Card

Leaf Complexity:  Pinnately Compound

Shape of Leaf: Simple

Edge of Leaf?: Serrated

Leaf Arrangement:  Opposite

Leaf has Petiole?: Yes / No

Patterns of Main-Veins:  Pinnate

Leaf Hairiness:  No Hairs

Color of Foliage in Summer: Green

Change in Color of Foliage in October:  Changes to Yellow

Flowering Season: Spring

Flowers:  in Loose Group

Type of Flower:  Like a Grass Flower

Color of Flower: Yellow

Shape of Individual Flower: Radially Symmetrical

Size of Individual Flower:  Larger than the Length of a Credit Card

Sexuality: Hermaphroditic Flower

Size of Fruit:  Larger than the Length of a Credit Card

Fruit Fleshiness at Maturity?:  Dry

Shape of Fruit:  Long Pod

Color of Fruit at Maturity:  Brown or Dry

Fruit Desirable to Birds or Squirrels?: Yes / No

Is the Plant Poisonous: None of Plant

Pesty Plant (weedy, hard to control)?:  No

Common Name(s):  Sweet Locust or Thorn Locust

Louisville Plants That Are Most Easily Confused With This One:  Black Locust Tree

Page prepared:

 November 2005