How to Grow Gleditsia Triacanthos Sunburst - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2024

Gleditsia triacanthos sunburst is a small deciduous tree that is native to North America. The tree grows to a height of 20-30 feet and has a spread of 15-20 feet. The leaves are alternate, pinnately compound, and have 9-13 leaflets. The leaflets are ovate to oblong in shape and are 2-4 inches long. The tree is dioecious, meaning that there are separate male and female trees. The flowers are small and greenish-white in color. The fruit is a dark brown or black pod that is 3-6 inches long.

How to Grow Gleditsia Triacanthos Sunburst - Plant Care & Tips

Alternative name

  • thornless honeylocust
  • thornless gleditsia
  • sunburst honeylocust
  • sunburst gleditsia
  • gleditsia triacanthos var. inermis

Good to Know

  • Gleditsia triacanthos sunburst is a type of flowering tree.
  • It is also known as the golden rain tree.
  • The tree is native to China, Korea, and Japan.
  • It can grow to a height of 30-35 feet.
  • The tree has a rounded crown and a trunk that is covered with thorns.
  • The leaves of the tree are pinnate and have 20-30 leaflets.
  • The tree produces yellow flowers that grow in clusters.
  • The tree is used as an ornamental tree in many gardens.
  • The tree is also used in traditional Chinese medicine.
  • The tree is considered to be an invasive species in some parts of the world.

How to Grow

  1. For gleditsia triacanthos sunburst, first step is to find the right tree. You can purchase a tree from a nursery or receive one as a gift.
  2. The second step is to plant the tree in the right location. Choose a spot that receives full sun and has well-drained soil.
  3. Once you have found the perfect location, the third step is to dig a hole that is twice the width and depth of the tree’s root ball.
  4. After you have dug the hole, the fourth step is to remove the tree from its container or burlap wrapping.
  5. Once the tree is removed from its container or wrapping, the fifth step is to gently loosen the roots around the tree’s base.
  6. The sixth step is to place the tree in the hole you have created, making sure that the tree is upright.
  7. The seventh step is to fill in the hole with the soil you removed when you were digging the hole.
  8. The eighth step is to water the tree deeply, saturating the roots.
  9. The ninth step is to apply a layer of mulch around the tree’s base, making sure to not pile the mulch too high against the tree’s trunk.
  10. The final step is to monitor the tree regularly, watering it as needed and fertilizing it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Related plant:
Gleditsia Triacanthos

The Soil

About soil condition, the Gleditsia triacanthos Sunburst has very high demand for well-drained soil and full sun to partial sun. It is not drought tolerant, so watering is crucial during prolonged dry periods. It is also moderately salt tolerant.

Light condition

Similar to other Gleditsia triacanthos, the sunburst variety does best in full sun. It should be planted in an area that gets at least six hours of sun each day. The more sun it gets, the more vibrant its colors will be. If it isn't getting enough sun, its leaves will become pale and its overall growth will be stunted.

Ideal Temperature

The temperature condition for growing the Gleditsia triacanthos Sunburst is that it should be warm. The plant should be in an area where the temperature is above freezing and below 100 degrees Fahrenheit. The Sunburst can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but it will grow best in an area that is warm.

Humidity Requirement

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 50% to 70%. Gleditsia triacanthos sunburst does not like overly moist or dry conditions. If the plant is kept too wet, the leaves will start to yellow and drop off. If the plant is kept too dry, the leaves will become crispy and brown.

Fertilizing

Regarding fertilizer, this family of plant is not too fussy. A general-purpose, balanced fertilizer will work just fine. Be sure to fertilize regularly during the growing season, however, as they are heavy feeders. With regards to the root system, Gleditsia triacanthos has a deep and extensive root system, making it very drought tolerant. The suckering habit of this tree can be problematic, however, as the roots can easily damage foundations, sidewalks, and driveways.

Plant Pruning

Pruning is an important part of keeping your gleditsia triacanthos sunburst looking its best. Trimming back the branches will help to promote new growth and keep the plant healthy. To prune your gleditsia triacanthos sunburst, start by removing any dead or diseased branches. Next, cut back any branches that are growing too long or out of control. Finally, trim back any branches that are crossing or rubbing against each other.

About Propagating

Propagation is easily achieved through seed, root division, or softwood cuttings taken in late spring or early summer. It is recommended to plant the seed in the fall for best results. Fill a seed flat with well-draining seed starting mix and press the seeds into the mix. Water the seeds well and place the flat in a warm location with indirect sunlight. Keep the soil moist, but not wet, and in about four to six weeks the seedlings will emerge. Once they have a few sets of leaves, they can be transplanted into individual pots. For division, dig up the plant in early spring, being careful not to damage the roots. Gently pull the plant apart into sections, making sure each section has a good root system, and replant in the desired location. To take softwood cuttings, cut a 6-8 inch section of stem from the tips of new growth in late spring or early summer. Remove the leaves from the bottom half of the cutting and dip the cut end into rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in a pot filled with well-draining seed starting mix and water well. Place the pot in a warm location with indirect sunlight and keep the soil moist. In about four to six weeks, the cutting will have rooted and can be transplanted into the desired location.

Growth Rate

Usually, the plant growth rate literature is based on planting seedlings or young plants, rather than mature trees. The average growth rate for a gleditsia triacanthos sunburst seedling is between 1 and 2 feet per year. Mature trees typically grow much slower, at a rate of around 1 foot per year.

Basic Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are scale, bud blight, and dieback. To control scale, use an insecticide such as horticultural oil. To prevent bud blight, remove infected leaves and branches and destroy them. To control dieback, prune out the affected areas and destroy the infected wood.

Growing Tips

  • If growing from seed, plant in early spring.
  • Choose a sunny spot for planting.
  • Prepare the soil by loosening it and adding organic matter.
  • Sow seeds about 1/2 inch deep.
  • Keep the soil moist but not wet.
  • When seedlings emerge, thin them so that they are spaced about 6 inches apart.
  • Apply a fertilizer designed for trees and shrubs once a month during the growing season.
  • Water regularly during dry spells.
  • Prune young trees to encourage a strong, branching structure.
  • Established trees will need little care beyond occasional watering during dry periods.

Related Plants

  • Gleditsia triacanthos Addison's Gold
  • Gleditsia triacanthos Amber regency
  • Gleditsia triacanthos Flame point
  • Gleditsia triacanthos Fort canning
  • Gleditsia triacanthos Harbinger
  • Gleditsia triacanthos Heterophylla
  • Gleditsia triacanthos Honey locust
  • Gleditsia triacanthos Prairie flame
  • Gleditsia triacanthos Prairie flame weeping
  • Gleditsia triacanthos Sunburst

Source:
Honeylocust - Gleditsia triacanthos var. inermis | North Carolina ...
Species: Gleditsia triacanthos - Cornell University
Gleditsia triacanthos, honey locust | Trees of Stanford & Environs

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Reviewed & Published by Richelle
Submitted by our contributor
Shrubs Category