YELLOWSTONE ARBORETUM
" Stewards of the Natural Environment "
Billings, Montana @ ZooMontana
Honey Locust
Catalogue A# 2004-001 SG5
GPS 45D 43' 57" N / 108D 37' 18" W
Gleditsia triacanthos var.inermis 'Sunburst'
Family: Leguminoaseae
Origin: North America
Common name: Sunburst Golden Honeylocust
Location: Sensory garden-Bed 18-east hill, south side
Number in accession: 1
Note: Tree memorial to Doris Hastings
This 22 inch Honeylocust provides overall benefits of: $132 every year.
Tree or Plant Type: Tree
Foliage: Deciduous (seasonally loses leaves)
Native Locale: North America
Landscape Uses: 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 3, Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9
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, Dangerous thorns
Ornamental Interest: Fall color, Persistent fruit/seeds
Season of Interest: Early fall
Flower Color & Fragrance: Inconspicuous
Shape or Form: Broad, Round
Growth Rate: Fast
Transplants Well: Yes
Wildlife: Migrant birds
CRITIQUE
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. For the sake of species diversity, it should only be planted after careful consideration of alternatives. The species may be difficult to find in nurseries. Most nurseries will carry the thornless form.