Gleditsia triacanthos var. inermis (Thornless Honeylocust)


Botanical Information

FamilyFabaceae
GenusGleditsia
Speciestriacanthos
Varietyinermis
CategoryWoody
TypeTree (deciduous)
ReferencesFowells, H.A. 1965. Silvics of forest trees of the United states. USDA Forest services Ag Handbook #271 Peattie, D.C. 1964. A Natural History of Trees of Eastern and Central North America. 2nd Ed. Bonanza Books. New york, NY. 606pp.
OriginFound in Southern Ontario and the central and eastern United States of America.
Ethnobotanical Uses
Disclaimer
The pods of Gleditsia triacanthos have been made into a tea for the treatment of indigestion and measels for centuries. A concoction of the bark has been used to create a drinkable mixture to treat dyspepsia. It has also aided in the treatment of whooping cough and small pox. Current development in science examines the leaves as a promising source of anti-cancer compounds.
Pronunciation

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone4 - 9
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness Zone3 - 10
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness ZoneH7
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Temperature (°C)18 - 21
Temperature (°F)65 - 70
Height15 m
Spread10 m
GrowthMedium
Flowering PeriodMay

Description and Growing Information

ID CharacteristicThe Thornless Honeylocust has pinnate fern-like leaves that turn golden yellow in the autumn. Its fruit is a long bean-like pod that are green in colour during their early stages turning brown-black at maturity.
Shape Vase-like canopy.
LandscapeKnown for its tolerance to polluted urban centres where it can easily adapt to any restrictions and thrive. Some examples include parking lots, along sidewalks and streets.
PropagationPre-soak in water 24 hours before scarification.
CultivationFull sunlight and alluvial soils.
PestsThe Thornless Honeylocust is susceptible to plantbugs, Diaphnocoris chlorionis, leafhoppers and Macropsis fumipennis.
Flower/Leaf Bud DescriptionBuds are very small and clustered at nodes; there is no terminal bud.
Leaf DescriptionLeaves are pinnate and are shiny dark green. They change colour to deep yellow in autumn.

Photographs