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