Honey Locust Tree

Honey locust (Gleditsia triacanthos) is a fast-growing shade tree with fine, feathery leaves that let dappled light through to the lawn below. We supply it bare-root to landscapers, nurseries and large planting projects, with a minimum order of 100.

Size, Growth and Hardiness

Mature trees typically reach 30 to 70 feet tall with a 30 - 50 foot spread, and growth is rapid in the first years. The leaves are bright green during summer and turn yellow in autumn. Small greenish-yellow flowers appear in late spring and are fragrant and attractive to bees. It is hardy in USDA zones 4 to 9.

Where It Grows Best

Plant in full sun, at least six hours a day. Honey locust adapts to clay, loam and sand, and tolerates compacted soil, drought, road salt, wind and periods of wet ground. That tolerance is why it is a common street and parking-lot tree. Trees can drop long brown seed pods in fall. This is the thorny species, with large branched thorns on the trunk and limbs, so keep it away from foot traffic and play areas. For planting ideas, see our honey locust buying guide and summer shade guide.

Honey Locust vs Black Locust

The two are often confused. Black locust has white, hanging flower clusters, small paired thorns and deeply furrowed bark. Honey locust has small greenish flowers, flatter bark in long plates, and, in the species, large branched thorns. Black locust is sold separately on our site.

Sizes, Shipping and Minimum Order

Choose from four bare-root sizes: 6 to 12 inches, 12 to 18 inches, 1 to 2 feet and 2 to 3 feet. Trees ship bare-root in November 2026. The minimum order is 100 trees. Plant promptly after arrival while the trees are dormant.