Honey locust (thorny locust, thorn tree) is a medium sized tree with pleasing, graceful foliage. The leaves are alternate, and both compound and double compound leaves on the same plant. The leaflets are 3/4 to 1 1/2 inches long, with small widely spaced teeth. Buds are mostly embedded in the branch with only the tips protruding. 

Twigs are slender, shiny, greenish brown to reddish brown. Older twigs, branches and the trunk are armed with single or three-branched or more thorns four to eight inches long. Trees without thorns make up approximately 10% of the natural population. The bark of honey locust is dark red-brown and fairly smooth; on older trees it breaks into long, thin, flat, longitudinal ridges with curled edges. 

Many selections of this species have been make for urban use because of its open foliage, tolerances to the urban environment and fairly fast
growth rate. 

Honey locust is a non-nitrogen fixing member of the legume family. Once considered to be relatively free of insects and disease pests, in recent years Mimosa webworm, cankers, and borers have become more common. Its sharp formidable thorns have and continue to be a major deterrent in the propagation and management of this species. Most landowner manage against this species and consider it a weed species which should be remove from most woodlands. 

The reddish wood is strong, coarse grained and moderately durable. Its common uses have included fence post, railroad ties, furniture, interior woodwork and fuelwood

Where can you get information?--Contact Paul H. Wray at (515) 294-1168 or write:

Native Trees of Iowa
ISU Forestry Extension
Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management
339 Science II
Ames, Iowa 50011-3221