Species imperial honey locust
conical-shaped, upright  trees with dark green leaves

imperial honey locust

Gleditsia triacanthos f. inermis

The Imperial Honey Locust is an amazing plant species with lush, green foliage and bright yellow-green flowers. It has a wide crown, making it an attractive and symmetrical feature in landscapes. It is also suitable for both small and large gardens. Its long, slender pods are filled with sweet and edible seeds, making it a perfect pick for wildlife. Additionally, its lacey foliage makes it a wonderful shade tree and its strong nature makes it resistant to most pests and diseases. With such elegant features, it is easy to see why the Imperial Honey Locust is an amazing plant species.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Seed Propagation,Grafting Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

3 - 8

Flowers:

Greenish yellow to greenish white Flowers In Spring

Sun:

Full sun

Soil:

Well-drained

Fruits:

green,brown Fruits In Autumn Ready In Fall

Edible:

Yes

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

High

Maintenance:

Moderate

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Thorny:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Imperial honey locust should be watered when its soil is dry to the touch. Depending on weather conditions, this can range from every couple of days in extremely hot and dry climates to every couple of weeks in more temperate areas. Generally, water deeply at least twice a week during the growing season, which starts in late spring and ends in late summer. Increase the frequency if weather is exceptionally hot and dry. Reduce water application in winter months and do not overwater. Whenever watering, always use lukewarm water and avoid overwatering. Imperial honey locust should receive approximately 2-3 inches of water per week.

sunlight

Imperial honey locusts need full sun to partial shade to thrive. They prefer at least 6-7 hours of direct sunlight a day, although they may need additional protection from the afternoon sun depending on the location. They can handle partial shade or light shade but may not produce as full of a canopy or bloom as heavily as they would in full sun. This species has a good tolerance to wind, heat, and drought, but still requires regular watering to stay healthy. It's hardiness zone is 4-9, so it can survive in colder climates as well as warmer regions. Proper care and the right amount and intensity of sunlight are key for a healthy and thriving imperial honey locust.

pruning

Imperial honey locusts (Gleditsia triacanthos f. inermis) should be pruned late in the dormant season, usually between the months of February to March. Pruning should occur once a year when the tree has been adequately established. Pruning should be limited to removing widely spaced, dead, damaged, diseased, crossing, and disruptive branches in order to maintain a natural shape and form. Also, avoid excessive topping of newly established trees. A slight trimming of long, outward branches can be beneficial by improving airflow.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Harvest Fruit

The harvesting season for Gleditsia triacanthos f. inermis, or imperial honey locust, typically begins in late summer, usually in August or September.

Starts Flowering

Imperial honey locusts typically start flowering in late April or early May.

Harvest Fruit

The harvesting season for Gleditsia triacanthos f. inermis, or imperial honey locust, typically begins in late summer, usually in August or September.

Hardiness Map