YELLOWSTONE ARBORETUM
" Stewards of the Natural Environment "
Billings, Montana @ ZooMontana
Gleditsia triacanthos var.inermis cv. 'Imperial'
Family: Fabaceae
Origin: Eastern to midwestern North America
Common name: Imperial Locust
Location: Plaza entrance opposite Visitor Center
Number of plants in accession: 5
GPS: 45* 43' 56" N 108* 37'16" W
This 45 inch Honeylocust provides overall benefits of: $114 every year.
CRITIQUE
The light, dappled shade cast by the lacy foliage of this attractive tree is only one of its virtues. It also is durable and adaptable, tolerating a wide range of soil conditions as well as drought, and road salt, and has a lovely yellow fall color. As a result, honey locust is overused in city and suburban landscapes. For the sake of species diversity, it should only be planted after careful consideration of alternatives. The native species of honey-locust has large thorns on its stems and bark. For this reason, thornless honey locust, also known as Gleditsia triacanthos f. inermis, is most commonly sold.
Imperial Honey Locust
Catalogue A#0097-034 Z1
Coordinates: 45D 43' 56" N / 108D 37' 16" W
Tree or Plant Type: Tree
Foliage: Deciduous (seasonally loses leaves)
Native Locale: Chicago area, Illinois, North America
Landscape Uses: Parkway/street, Shade tree, Specimen
Size Range: Large tree (more than 40 feet), Medium tree (25-40 feet)
Mature Height: 30-70 feet
Mature Width: 30-70 feet
Light Exposure: Full sun (6 hrs direct light daily)
Hardiness Zones: Zone 4, Zone 5 (Chicago), Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9, Zone 10
Soil Preference: Moist, well-drained soil
Acid Soils: Tolerant
Alkaline Soils: Tolerant
Salt Spray: Tolerant
Soil Salt: Tolerant
Drought Conditions: Tolerant
Poor Drainage: Tolerant
Planting Considerations: Commonly planted
Ornamental Interest: Fall color, Persistent fruit/seeds
Season of Interest: Early fall, Mid fall
Flower Color & Fragrance: Inconspicuous
Shape or Form: Broad, Round
Growth Rate: Fast
Transplants Well: Yes
Wildlife: Game birds, Migrant birds, Small mammals
