Landscape

Known for its tolerance to polluted urban centres where it can easily adapt to any restrictions and thrive. Some examples include parking lots, along sidewalks and streets.

Cultivation

Full sunlight and alluvial soils.

Shape

Vase-like canopy.

Growth

Medium

ID Characteristic

The Thornless Honeylocust has pinnate fern-like leaves that turn golden yellow in the autumn. Its fruit is a long bean-like pod that are green in colour during their early stages turning brown-black at maturity.

Pests

The Thornless Honeylocust is susceptible to plantbugs, Diaphnocoris chlorionis, leafhoppers and Macropsis fumipennis.

Flower/Leaf Bud Description

Buds are very small and clustered at nodes; there is no terminal bud.

Leaf Description

Leaves are pinnate and are shiny dark green. They change colour to deep yellow in autumn.

Propagation

Pre-soak in water 24 hours before scarification.

Ethnobotanical Uses (Disclaimer)

The pods of Gleditsia triacanthos have been made into a tea for the treatment of indigestion and measels for centuries. A concoction of the bark has been used to create a drinkable mixture to treat dyspepsia. It has also aided in the treatment of whooping cough and small pox. Current development in science examines the leaves as a promising source of anti-cancer compounds.

Fowells, H.A. 1965. Silvics of forest trees of the United states. USDA Forest services Ag Handbook #271 Peattie, D.C. 1964. A Natural History of Trees of Eastern and Central North America. 2nd Ed. Bonanza Books. New york, NY. 606pp.