Honey Locust

Honey Locust (Gleditsia triacanthos)  Honey locust is a highly adaptable and vigorous tree native to the east coast of the US. Livestock enjoy grazing the leaves and pods if they can access them. These trees respond well to coppicing. The pulp of the pod is also edible to humans. Many honey locust seedlings will develop massive thorns (see pictures). These thorns are no joke, and could easily pop a tire. If you intend to build a living fence this may be a positive attribute. Mature thorns deter livestock and deer. Not all trees develop thorns. It is thought that these thorns evolved as a deterrent to large now extinct megafauna. Honey locust have an amazing yellow fall color.  Once established honey locust are drought tolerant. They thrive in urban environments. The pods contain a sticky sugary paste that tastes amazing. The pods can be dried and ground into a powder that is similar to carob. Although live stock love the pods they make a great human food too. We hope to explore ways to