Description
Gleditsia triacanthos (Honey Locust) Seeds
Zone: 3 to 8
Native to central North America
The Honey Locust has an aesthetically pleasing vase shaped canopy which makes it a popular shade and street tree. Its small, oblong, lanceolate leaves cast a light or dappled shade and turn yellow in autumn. It prefers moist, well-drained soils in full sun, but is drought and summer heat tolerant once established. It is a fast grower and can live up to 120 years. In late summer dark purplish-brown seedpods are formed which can persist well into winter. Seedpods contain, in addition to seeds, a sweet gummy substance that gives honey locust its common name.
Size: Height 50 to 75 ft; Width 35 to 50 ft.
Germination Instructions
Scarification: Honey locust seeds have a very hard seed coat on them which needs to be broken down before the seeds can germinate. Sand or file the seeds and/or carefully nick the outer coating with a pocket knife. Be careful not to go too deep into the seed itself. Then place seeds in a container with hot water and let the water cool to room temperature. Leave the seeds in the water for 12 to 24 hours until they show signs of swelling. If not, repeat the previous steps. When seeds show signs of swelling, sow them in pots. Keep the soil moist but not saturated. Seeds should germinate within a few weeks.
