CHARTREUSE RED TIPPED LEAVES; DAPPLED SHADETREE; SMALL NO MESS LEAVES; NATIVE; THORNLESS; FEW SEED PODS; EXCELLENT STREET OR PATIO TREE; INTENSE FALL COLOR

Species: Gleditsia triacanthos

Plant Size, Type & Delivery Height: 30 gallon; approximately 1.5” caliper; ~10 foot tall

Ball & Burlap or Potted: Container Grown

Mature Height: 50-80 feet

Growth Rate: Fast 12”+/year

Sunlight: Full Sun to Partial Shade

Drought & Heat Tolerant: Drought Tolerant

Description:  The ‘Sunburst’ variety of Honey Locust tree is more chartreuse (light lime green) rather than dark green and the tips of the new growth leaves are fringed with orange or red color. Dappled sunlight filters through the Honey Locust’s small leaves all Summer, providing shade and allowing other plants to grow beneath its airy canopy. This resilient, fast growing tree’s lacy foliage turns a golden yellow in the Fall. It’s often planted to create a windbreak or prevent erosion on hillsides. 

Its name comes from the fragrant legumes which are a food source for wildlife. The long pods, which the skyline variety of Honey Locust has few of, are a delightful treat for wildlife and has been food for native Americans and settlers alike.

Growing Considerations:  This ornamental tree thrives in a wide range of soils, and even prefers poor, compacted soils. It tolerates both wet and dry sites, salt and urban pollution. This tree won’t kill grass because its dappled shade allows filtered light to pass through it. The leaves are so small, that when they fall in the fall, you won’t even notice them as they blow away in the seasonal winds. This particular variety makes a great street tree or patio tree because it grows without or very few seed pods.

Mono-Culture Risk: None; Not Frequently Planted

Invasive Risk: None