How to Grow Gleditsia Triacanthos - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2025

Gleditsia triacanthos is a deciduous tree that grows to a height of 30–40 m (98–130 ft). it has a spread of 20 m (66 ft). the trunk is typically 2 m (6 ft 7 in) in diameter. the branches are covered in thorns up to 10 cm (4 in) long. the leaves are pinnate, with 11–19 oval leaflets. the flowers are small and yellow, and are borne in racemes up to 30 cm (12 in) long. the fruits are brown, leathery pods up to 30 cm (12 in) long, which contain three to five seeds.

How to Grow Gleditsia Triacanthos - Plant Care & Tips

Also known as

  • Honey locust
  • Common locust
  • Black locust
  • Yellow locust
  • White locust

Things to Know

  • Gleditsia triacanthos is a legume tree that is also known as the honey locust tree.
  • It is native to North America and can be found in the eastern and central parts of the United States.
  • The tree grows to a height of around 30-50 feet and has a spreading crown.
  • The leaves of the tree are pinnately compound with each leaf having 20-30 leaflets.
  • The flowers of the tree are small and greenish in color and are borne in clusters.
  • The fruit of the tree is a pod that is around 3-6 inches long and contains several seeds.
  • The tree is often used as an ornamental plant due to its attractive leaves and flowers.
  • The tree is also used for various purposes such as shade, windbreaks, and fodder.
  • The wood of the tree is hard and is used for making posts, fences, and fuel.
  • The tree is susceptible to various pests and diseases such as aphids, caterpillars, and leaf spot.

Related plant:
Gleditsia Triacanthos Sunburst

Growing Steps

  1. For gleditsia triacanthos, first step is to choose the sapling.
  2. Second step is to plant the sapling in a soil that is well aerated and has good drainage.
  3. The third step is to water the sapling regularly but do not overwater it.
  4. The fourth step is to fertilize the sapling every month with a balanced fertilizer.
  5. The fifth step is to prune the sapling regularly to encourage growth.
  6. The sixth step is to protect the sapling from pests and diseases.
  7. The seventh step is to harvest the pods when they are mature.
  8. The eighth step is to dry the pods and extract the seeds.
  9. The ninth step is to plant the seeds in nursery beds.
  10. The tenth step is to transplant the seedlings to their permanent location.

Related plant:
Gleditsia

Soil Condition

About soil condition, the best place for Gleditsia triacanthos is a deep, well-drained, sandy loam with a neutral to slightly acidic pH. It grows best in full sun, but can tolerate some shade. It is not tolerant of salt or drought.

About light

So, like the other plants, Gleditsia triacanthos need sunlight to grow. However, they are not as picky as some other species and can do well in both full sun and partial shade. If you are growing them in an area with less light, you may need to give them a little extra water to make up for the lack of sun.

The Temperature

The temperature condition that is most favorable for the growth of the Gleditsia triacanthos is between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. However, it can also tolerate a range of temperatures, from 50 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Despite its wide tolerance, the Gleditsia triacanthos prefers to grow in warmer climates.

Ideal Humidity

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is around 50%. If the humidity gets too low, the leaves will start to drop and the plant will become extremely stressed. If the humidity gets too high, the leaves will start to turn yellow and drop off.

Fertilizer Requirement

For the fertilizer, this plant prefers a 12-6-6 or 10-10-10. The roots are quite fibrous and are not difficult to grow. They do not like to be disturbed, so it is best to plant them in their final location.

Light requirement

Pruning is an important part of caring for your Gleditsia triacanthos. Pruning helps to maintain the shape of the plant, and can also help to encourage new growth. When pruning, be sure to remove any dead or damaged branches. It is also a good idea to prune back any branches that are growing out of shape.

About Propagating

Propagation is typically by seed, which is sown in early spring as soon as the ground can be worked. The seed must be fresh in order to germinate; it is best to sow it as soon as it is ripe. The seedlings are transplanted to the field in late spring or early summer. Gleditsia triacanthos can also be propagated by root cuttings and grafting.

Growth Speed

Usually, the plant growth rate experiments indicate that the plant's growth is significantly affected by the amount of nitrogen in the soil. The optimum nitrogen concentration for gleditsia triacanthos growth is between about 0.8 and 1.2 percent.

The Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are root rot, stem girdling, and powdery mildew. Root rot is usually caused by too much moisture in the soil, which can be a problem if the plant is not getting enough drainage. Stem girdling can be caused by damage to the roots, or by insects that bore into the bark. Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that can be controlled with fungicides.

List to Know

  • Do not forget to water your gleditsia triacanthos plant regularly.
  • Fertilize your plant every two weeks using a high-quality fertilizer.
  • Prune your plant regularly to encourage new growth.
  • Place your plant in an area that receives plenty of sunlight.
  • Avoid overwatering your plant.
  • Keep an eye out for pests and diseases.
  • Harvest the seeds from your plant when they are ripe.
  • Store the seeds in a cool, dry place.
  • Plant the seeds in well-drained soil.
  • Give your plant plenty of space to grow.

Alternative Plants

  • Gleditsia amorphoides
  • Gleditsia aquatica
  • Gleditsia caspica
  • Gleditsia cortex
  • Gleditsia ferox
  • Gleditsia flexuosa
  • Gleditsia florida
  • Gleditsia inermis
  • Gleditsia integrifolia
  • Gleditsia japonica

Source:
Gleditsia triacanthos, honey locust | Trees of Stanford & Environs
Gleditsia triacanthos - University of California, Berkeley
Honeylocust (Gleditsia triacanthos) | Department of Horticulture

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Reviewed & Published by Richelle
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Trees Category