Locust, Honey

Here we have the Honey Locust, or Gleditsia triacanthos, commonly found among fencerows and pastures. Also known as the Sweet Locust, its pods are a favorite among cattle. This medium-sized tree often reaches heights of 70 feet and is fast-growing but short-lived, typically lasting around 120 years. The leaves of the Honey Locust are pinnately compound, meaning they consist of multiple tiny leaflets arranged along a central stem. These dark green leaves are about 8 inches long, with 9 to 14 leaflets. Interestingly, new growth can produce bipinnately compound leaves, where each leaflet itself is divided into smaller leaflets. The tree produces dark brown, flat, and twisted pods that can reach a foot in length. As the pods ripen, the sweet pulp inside thins and becomes bitter. The mature bark consists of flat, reddish-brown plates separated by narrow, deep fissures. The trunks are also adorned with large, forked thorns, which are actually modified branches.