Honey locust is a hardy, very adaptable and fast growing tree species. It grows with limited irrigation in dry areas, with a preference for full sun. It tolerates a range of soil and temperature conditions, even light frost.
Honey locust prefers well-drained sites, but can also survive short periods of soil wetness (waterlogging) and moderate soil salinity. It can develop in a wide pH range.
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Growing quite rapidly, this deciduous tree can reach a height of 15–30 m (45–90 ft). Its life span is up to 120-150 years. It can be pruned quite easily and often looses large branches in a storm.
Branches aren commonly covered with 3–20 cm long thorns, sitting in dense clusters. Thornless varieties (var. inermis) are occasionally found growing wild, but they are also popular ornamental plants with leaves turning yellow in autumn.
The blossoms are fragrant. Cream-colored flowers appear in late spring, in clusters emerging from the base of the leaf axils.
The fruit is a flat legume (pod) that matures in early autumn. The twisted, flattened pods are generally 15–20 cm (6-8”) long and approximately 2,5 cm (1″) wide.
The pulp inside a pod is edible. Grazing cattle and other herbivores help to disperse the seeds. Their digestive system breaks down the hard seed coat, which makes germination easier.
Uses
For its multiple uses, the honey locust is a popular species in permaculture.
Despite its name, the honey locust is not a significant honey producing plant. For its sweet taste, the unripe legume pulp was originally used for food or fermented to make beer. It is also a valuable, protein containing cattle fodder.
The tree tolerates soil compaction (in cities), salinity, heat and drought. Transplantation is quite easy.
Its fast growth and tolerance of poor site conditions make it valued in parks or housing developments. It can be used for (re)greening in disturbed and reclaimed environments.
Honey locusts produce a highly valued, durable wood, used for furniture, posts and rails.
Originally, the hard thorns of the younger trees have been used as nails.
For livestock in hotter climates, the honey locust offers filtered shade.
This leguminous tree is also fixating nitrogen (Rhizobium), thus benefitting the soil and surrounding plants.
