Black locust vs honey locust The main Jun 11, 2022 · Black locust is a fascinating tree. a. Practically every inch of a honey locust’s branches is protected by long, viciously sharp thorns, which can pose a risk to people and livestock if the trees are allowed to grow unchecked. Jan 10, 2009 · Black locust is great stuff, and doesn't have the big, nasty thorns like honey locust. Mature honey locust seed pod. Learn uses, grow & care, seed germination, and how to control Black Locust Nov 4, 2023 · Black locust has compound leaves, thorns, and fragrant white flowers. It’s critical to understand the environment in which a particular tree has grown before selecting the wood. Both the thorn-less Honey locust turned box (by Adam Cottrill) In the Eastern United States, and perhaps spilling over into adjacent geographic regions, there are a group of hardwoods that have similar appearance, mechanical properties, and anatomy. I I don't know who told you that when you was a kid Jul 28, 2009 · The Leaves on Honey Locust are supposedly rounder and do not come to a point at the end as with Honey Locust. Images of a honeylocust tree. Based in the Appalachian Mountain Range, this is one of the best honeys in the market! Dec 1, 2021 · My aunt has a bunch of trees behind her house that I was told are black locust. Robinia pseudoacacia, commonly known as black locust, [3] is a medium-sized hardwood deciduous tree, belonging to the tribe Robinieae of the legume family Fabaceae. Honey Locust vs. This article reviews the nutrition, benefits, and potential downsides of acacia honey. Jul 23, 2024 · It's particularly suited for creating a soft, cascading effect in garden designs, and its features are a testament to the versatility of Honey Locust cultivars. The wood is hard, strong, coarse-grained, but not so durable in contact with the soil as is the black locust. Down side is both species of locust take lots of time to dry properly 2-3 years drying for the best locust it can be in the woodstove. leaning toward the house. Mar 20, 2008 · Just remember: the locust honey is generally from black locust, not honey locust. Thornless honey locust, Gleditsia triacanthos var. Continue reading to learn what makes black locust and honey locust trees different. black locust - Robinia pseudoacacia honey locust is a diffuse porous tree. Black locust will have more of a dull yellow/brown tint. Discover the main distinctions between Black and Honey Locust trees in terms of appearance, thorns, fragrances, seed pods, wood, and more. pseudoacacia are legumes and have pod-like fruit and compound leaves. Dense clones of locust create shaded islands with little ground vegetation. Hope this helps you. The Honeylocust has much lighter hued green leaves that tend to drop off earlier in the fall season then the other two. What is the Honey Locust tree? The Honey Locust is a short lived, medium sized deciduous hardwood tree native to Eastern North America. Nov 8, 2025 · Honey Locust vs Black LocustVideo Transcript The amount of people that commented on this video was so much confidence that they knew what they were talking about and I was dumb and I was wrong. Both can have thorns, although Honey locust thorns tend to be in groups of 3 whereas black are in groups of 2 (directly opposite one another on branch). Given the size of the board, it could not possibly be clammy locust, which is also in the Robinia family and inhabits much of the same range. Honey Locust Trees Honey locust trees and black locust trees have similar names and share certain features, but as different species, both types have many qualities that they do not share. Black vs Honey Locust Trees The black locust and honey locust are trees that grow in warm climates. Apr 29, 2022 · Honey locust trees and black locust trees both share similar names and some characteristics but are vastly different from each other. Its habit of growing in open rather than forest situations gives its wood a knotty character. They also have large, branched thorns on their trunks and branches Black Locust Trees are some of the fastest growing hardwoods in North America. Of course, all these plants do so initially for their own use, but through sloughing off roots and leaves, that nitrogen then becomes available to plants around them. Black locust has brown wood. Honey locust is thin. Although it shares a similar common name with honey locust, the two are in separate genera— Robinia and Gleditsia, respectively. Black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia), a medium sized tree native to the eastern United States and now naturalized throughout North America, is the best known member of this group. Keep reading to find out how to tell these trees apart and why they shouldn’t be added to the backyard anytime soon. From the fast-growing black locust to the ornamental honey locust and the arid-climate-adapted New Mexico locust, there is a locust tree suitable for every garden or landscape setting. Get ready to locust like a pro! learn the fundamental differences between honey locust and black locust trees, including their bark, leaves, and growth habits, and start gardening like a pro. Black Locust has the rough bark and is from the genus Robinia. 1. However, the Honey Locust tree doesn’t contain toxins or poison, but it should be cautious around them due to the 7. Oct 13, 2025 · Black locust trees have rough, deeply furrowed bark and smaller thorns, while honey locust trees have flat-plate style bark and larger thorns. Identifying Gleditsia triacanthos by leaves, bark, flowers, seeds and shape. It also notable for its fragrant white flowers, which smell of citrus. Honey locust leaves have an even number of leaflets, while black locust leaves have an odd number with a single leaflet at the end of each leaf. Black ocusts can live to be 90 years old5. Keslick, Jr. Honey Locust trees, on the other hand, have more delicate leaves and less pronounced flowers. At this point they can be collected for the taste good they contain. These two trees, though often confused, possess unique characteristics that, once learned, make their identification straightforward and even enjoyable. Black locust trees have dark bark with intertwined furrows, while honey locust trees can have dark brown or gray bark. [4] Honey locust trees are highly adaptable to different environments, and the species has been introduced worldwide. Jul 4, 2023 · During its blooming period, honey bees gather nectar from the exquisite and charming blooms, eventually creating one of the most effervescent and delicate honey varietals commercially available: black locust honey, more widely known as acacia honey. Apr 30, 2025 · Honey locust (Gleditsia triacanthos) and black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia) are both deciduous trees but differ significantly in appearance, ecological impact, and uses. Find out the similarities and differences between these two locust species in terms of hardiness, size, soil preference, and more. honey locust - Gleditsia triacanthos b. Rare and Hybrid Honey Locust Varieties 'Halka' Adaptability 🌱 'Halka' Honey Locust stands out for its remarkable resilience. Comments: Somewhat similar in appearance to Black Locust, Honey Locust is technically in a different genus, (Robinia and Gleditsia, respectively), and telling the two apart is somewhat similar to separating White and Red Oak —the pores of Black Locust are packed with tyloses, while they are absent in the pores of Honey Locust. Honey locust and black locust trees flourish in warm, sunny climates. An important tree for wildlife, bees and flies pollinate the flowers, insects feed on the tree, and birds & many mammals eat the seed pods. Jan 11, 2024 · The Honey Locust tree, also known as the Thorny Honey locust or Thorny Locust, is a member of the Fabaceae family of trees native to North America. Carob (Ceratonia siliqua): Carob trees are also known as locust bean trees and produce elongated, brown seed pods. Is there a way to tell black locust from honey locust? And is one more desirable than the other? For firewood and fence posts etc. Apr 6, 2023 · With age, the heartwood will darken. Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube. Interesting Facts Other names common names for the black locust include: yellow locust, white locust, red locust, green locust, pea flower locust, common locust, and false acacia7. Black Locust Trees is a useful skill to have, but in reality, neither of these trees are suitable for residential planting. Black locust is superior to honey locust. On the other hand, honey locust ones are not as toxic, though they take time to heal. In this firewood video my supplier Darin and I split green honey locust and semi-seasoned black locust firewood blocks using my Huskee 35-ton log splitter Black Locust vs Honey Locust: 8 điểm khác biệt chính Ở dạng bảng, chúng tôi sẽ cho bạn thấy một số điểm khác biệt rõ rệt giữa châu chấu mật và châu chấu đen It has been widely planted as an ornamental, for land reclamation, for erosion control, and for honey production. This tree is a top choice for homeowners due to its ornamental value, often being preferred over the Black Locust tree, because it is easy to transplant, has a fast growth rate, and is flexible to live in various environments. Dec 30, 2023 · Black Locust (Robinia pseudoacacia): Black locust trees produce shorter and wider seed pods compared to honey locusts. It makes a rose bush look like a plushie. Compare their hardness, color, grain, common uses, workability, cost, and tyloses. The honey locust, Gleditsia triacanthos, has many more thorns on the bark and the thorns get up to 8" in clusters of three. , but not to the Upper Midwest. Honey locust is yellow and the Thornless variety is orange. That said, pics of the tree would be more helpful (to me at least) even if the leaves are fallen. There are two types of tree referred to commonly as ‘locust’ – the black locust and the honey locust. Honey Locust and Black Locust are very similar trees with devastating impacts if mistaken, so today I go through both trees noting how to identify each, and giving the pros and cons of each. The nectar produces a floral, fru Honey Locust and Black Locust thorns and foliage Barkin' up the right tree 1. Feb 8, 2025 · Key Takeaways: Locust is an excellent firewood. From contributor K: It is not a coffee tree. To Sep 27, 2025 · Black locust and honey locust trees are two types of deciduous trees that differ in their bark and thorns. It has contorted grey bark, deeply contoured, and it doesn't always grow straight. Apr 28, 2012 · The black locust tree, Robinia pseudoacacia, produces a fruity and fragrant honey that ranges from water white to lemon yellow to yellowish green. Black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia) is native to the U. This tree gets covered in pretty clusters of white or pink flowers in the spring, making it even more similar to real locust trees. The term "locust" can apply to several different species of trees with legume-like seed pods. Both Black Locust and Honey Locust are used where hard and strong wood is needed. Jun 20, 2024 · Honey locust and black locust, both belonging to the Fabaceae family, share some similarities but also exhibit distinct characteristics that set them apart. Sep 14, 2022 · There are diverse distinctions between black locusts and honey locust trees. The appearance of honey locust (Gleditsia triacanthos) is similar to that of black locust except their spines are unpaired and branched. In a place overrun with deer like here, I think this can only be an advantage. This blog post delves into a comprehensive comparison of honey vs. Honey Locust vs Black Locust: What's The Difference Between Both Black locust is a fast-growing native nitrogen-fixing tree with incredibly rot-resistant wood. Once introduced to an area, black locust expands readily into areas where their shade reduces competition from other (sun-loving) plants. One would have to know the type of locust inwhich to compare. Both species belong to the pea family (Fabaceae) and share some superficial similarities, such as compound leaves and seed pods. Mar 11, 2024 · Honey Locust vs Black Locust Knowing how to distinguish the Honey Locust vs. Black Locust has slightly larger leaflets, fewer thorns, shorter seedpods, and more showy white flowers. Known for their feathery, pinnate leaves and often thorny branches, they add texture and shade to landscapes. May 13, 2014 · We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. Almost mature Honey Locust pods. It is ideal for firewood, fence posts, and polewood. Does anyone know whether male or female honey locust trees produce better or more forage for bees? Or whether the less weird cultivars (like with their spines and seedpods) are any better, for bees Mar 12, 2024 · False Acacia (Robinia) False acacia, also commonly known as black locust, looks like real locust trees, which can confuse people. Close-up of honey locust spine. Apr 28, 2025 · Where Do Black Locust Trees Grow? Learn about the regions, climates, and conditions where black locust trees thrive naturally and why they are so resilient. Explore its uses and benefits here. These trees have alternate, pinnately compound leaves with paired leaflets¹. The easiest way to recognize the native Honey Locust is to look for the stout sharply pointed branched spines. Learn how to identify and control two common locust species in pastures and restore productivity to your grazing acres. Arborist Learn expert tips on locust bonsai care and styling, including growth, pruning, and seasonal care for honey locust and black locust bonsai trees. The leaves of the honey locust trees can be easily confused with a close relative, the black locust. It'll be a thornless/seedless variety I belive. For starters, these trees were and occasionally are planted for Next, let’s look at how a honey locust boosts fertility around it. It has relatively smooth-ish bark. Your ultimate guide to Honey Locust trees. In terms of toxicity, the honey locust is safe for consumption and makes most varieties prone to animal destruction due to its sweet taste. Black locust has thick bark. Apr 22, 2025 · The Black Locust tree’s thorns, leaves, seeds, and bark contain poisonous compounds that can cause severe pain when ingested and may even be fatal. In this regard , I w _ s-h 1 ° say that there is no comparison . ) has reddish buds, leaflets with teeth, and thorny petioles whereas black locust buds are hairy and white, its leaflets are smooth, and its petioles lack spines. Offers high BTUs, a long burn time, and excellent coals. Join the adventure! Customers love our Locust Blossom honey – with good reason! Black locust trees produce one of the rarest types of honey in Indiana due to the need for the perfect weather and the short time frame that the nectar remains on the trees. black locust is a ring porous tree. When you cut the wood, the grain of honey locust will have a peach or pink tint. The only other tree that Honey Locust can be confused with in the Midwest is Black Locust (Robinia pseudoacacia). Dec 29, 2024 · Explore Honey Locust types, care tips, and more. (9/24/05)-Host Steve Owens talks about the honey locust and black locust trees. Additionally, black locust trees produce smaller seed pods and white pea-like flowers, whereas honey locust trees have larger seed pods and yellow-green flowers. Rivals top-tier firewood like hickory. Here’s the lineup: Jan 4, 2024 · Acacia honey, also called locust honey, is produced by honeybees that collect nectar from black locust trees (Robinia pseudoacacia). I love them both for strikers and agree that black locust makes the better striker, but honey locust is no slouch The honey locust (Gleditsia triacanthos), also known as the thorny locust or thorny honeylocust, is a deciduous tree in the family Fabaceae, native to central North America where it is mostly found in the moist soil of river valleys. My first natural sciences mentor, Dr. These tall, airy trees have a number of differences, some of which affect their suitability as landscape specimens for home gardeners. Thornless honey locust has yellow leaves. The flower-like aroma attracts the honeybees to the blooms. You'd know if it was in the area. Honey Locust Gleditisia triacanthos L. Different smelling wood. [1] [2] [3 Aug 27, 2024 · Similar to the Black Locust Trees is the Robinia Genus, the main difference is that the Black Locust has a very fragrant and showy flower display in the spring, whereas the Honeylocust blooms are not quite as prominent, though they are fragrant! In the family Fabaceae, Honeylocust and Black Locust trees are completely different genera, even though they share a common name. Comparison of Black Locust vs. They are prominent features of Aug 4, 2008 · The black locust thorns aren't long and round, they're flat and triangular and are easily broken off by pushing them sideways. " Black Locust is one of the first nectar sources for bees foraging in our Appalachian forests. Outside of cultivation thorns are common on both species, and the thorns of honey locust are much longer (up to 8” long). While their shared family lineage and similar appearance may lead to confusion, their scientific and common names provide crucial insights into Jun 5, 2023 · Black locust leaves contain several pinnate-arranged leaflets measuring 1-2 inches in length and display a green or bluish-green shade. Oct 10, 2025 · The most striking feature of the Honey Locust is the formidable reddish-brown thorns on its trunk and lower branches, which can grow up to eight inches long. Jan 13, 2021 · Think of a honey locust (or black locust, or alder) as one big over-sized clover, taking nitrogen from the atmosphere and pumping it into the soil. I I don't know who told you that when you was a kid Nov 8, 2025 · Honey Locust vs Black LocustVideo Transcript The amount of people that commented on this video was so much confidence that they knew what they were talking about and I was dumb and I was wrong. Honey locusts are recognizable by their feathery foliage, composed of small, compound leaflets, creating a dappled shade that allows grass to grow underneath. Black locust prefers drier, more nutrient poor habitats, whereas honey locust is more restricted to moister, nutrient-rich sites. A common distinguishing factor is the number of thorns, as black locust tends to have more subtle and a lower number of thorns. Both the Kentucky Coffeetree and the Black Locust have leaflets that are a deep shade of green with a blue tinge. Family: Fabaceae The Honey Locust is a common tree in Ohio and throughout the United States. Lack of ground fuel limits the use of fire in natural disturbance regimes. It can be coppiced on rotation creating a perpetual woodlot. Close-ups of very young honey locust seed pods. Aug 2, 2021 · We see very little bee activity on honey locust but once every 4 or 5 years we get a boomer crop of black locust honey. -The honey locust pods are edible and contain about 30% sugar in Comments: Black locust is a very hard and strong wood, competing with hickory (Carya genus) as the strongest and stiffest domestic timber: but with more stability and rot resistance. Black locust wood cannot rot thanks to the contact points of the slats because Black locust is hard and very resistant to abrasion and rot. However, their botanical features and root properties differ black locust tends to be the one with pods, but at this time of year and that size, this is probably a reverted honey locust. This variety is thornless, and the seeds and pods provide food for wildlife such as deer and squirrels. Kentucky Coffee Tree The Kentucky Coffee Tree (Gymnocladus dioicus) is another tree often confused with the Honey Black Locust vs. , with honey locust and black locust being most common. Black locust is spreading into new areas and is now a threat to other states which are outside of the historical range. Both have thorns but honey locust has a Thornless variety. Nov 19, 2024 · The black locust tree (Robinia pseudoacacia) is more than a durable, rot-resistant hardwood; it’s a living powerhouse for pollinators and biodiversity. European woodworkers were the first to start referring to trees as hardwood and softwood. Important note: Much of the Black Locust is toxic to The honey locust and the mimosa are two shade trees that are not commonly used as landscape trees, but are both great for use as lawn accent trees. I had it cut down, then went on a 2 week vacation. Sep 16, 2025 · Compare honey locust vs black locust with clear ID tips on thorns, leaves, bark, pods, and uses for yards and wildlife. Honey locust leaves are bright green, while black locust leaves are blue-green. Both trees' wood grains finish up super nice with sanding. I I don't know who told you that when you was a kid First, honey locust tends to have a wide band of white sapwood, maybe 2-3 inches, whereas black locust has a much narrower band of sapwood- 1/2 to 1 inch at the most. Both trees have pinnately compound leaves that are divided into many leaflets. When I got back, the entire yard was covered with hundreds of locust trees, literally about a foot tall, that had sprung up from the Prickly ash (Xanthoxylum spp. The honey locust can have huge spikes with "spikelets" comming out of the trunk of fully mature trees. The weather and other environmental factors that the black locust and honey locust trees have grown in have a significant impact on their nature. Black Locust Tree Guide: Thorns, Wood, Bark, Flowers, Areas (Beware This Tree) Sep 6, 2022 · What Is the Difference Between a Black & Honeylocust?. That being said, the thorns on honey locust trees (pictured above) can be pretty sharp, and there are reports of scratches from the thorns leading to infections. How do the thorns of black locust compare to the thorns of honey locust? Black Locust vs Honey Locust Although both are members of the bean/pea family, have similar leaves, both have thorns, and produce pods - there should be NO problem identifying what kind of locust tree! Jul 4, 2011 · Wood density? Black vs Honey LocustBoth will work well for strikers. The black locust tree's botanical name is Robinia pseudoacacia and the honey locust tree's is Gleditsia triacanthos. 76K subscribers Subscribe Nov 8, 2025 · Honey Locust vs Black LocustVideo Transcript The amount of people that commented on this video was so much confidence that they knew what they were talking about and I was dumb and I was wrong. Outside its natural range it can be an Simple question: Why would anyone ever plant black locusts instead of honey locusts? From what I can tell, they are almost identical, the differences being slight and almost all in the honey locust's favour: -Honey locust has more wicked triple thorns. This is black locust, Robinia pseudoacacia, also known as yellow locust. Black Locust is the more durable type while Honey Locust is less resilient but easier to work with. Honey locust spines on branches along with flowers. Honey locust and green locust are easily confused sure. If you ever try to get rid of locust trees, heed this true story: I had one, rotten and full of ants. Jan 12, 2024 · Discover the differences between black locust and honey locust trees. Black Locust can grow in many situations, but prefers dry areas with lots of sun. Our raw black locust honey is produced in the woodlands of Westfield, NY. Oct 18, 2005 · The honey locust have larger thorns while the black locust will usually have smaller thorns on the young trees branches. Honey locust is actually a different genus if we are using the same common names of the trees. Along streams May 20, 2023 · Final Thoughts From Experts Locust trees encompass a diverse array of species and cultivars, each with its own unique features and benefits. No one who has ever dealt with both will confuse a honey locust for a black locust. May 28, 2013 · The black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia, also called the false Acacia) is a somewhat ugly tree, 50 weeks out of the year. But black locust is nicknamed the devil's walking stick for a reason. inermis Suncole, is podless and thornless as is the Shade Master. Besides the commonly eaten flowers pictured in this post, bristly locust * (Robinia hispida) are . Frank Fitch, showed me a thorny honey locust near the eagle mound at Rock Eagle 4-H Camp. The canopy is nice enough, but the strange leaves don't provide much shade. Black & honey locust tree thorns Both black and honey locust tree thorns are harmful to some extent – the main difference lies in their level of toxicity. Find out about their pods, flowers, wood, and toxicity to humans and animals. Both of these trees are known to thrive in sunny climates. Today’s article will focus on the black locust. Sincerely, John A. These two tree variations have plenty of individual traits that help to distinguish one from the other. The trees haven’t leafed out yet, but here are a couple pics. Kentucky Coffeetree, which is which and how can you tell these three legume trees apart? In this video I do a side by side comparison of the seeds and pods of Dec 8, 2020 · That looks like black locust. Honey locust has pods that contain edible seeds, while the pods of other locust tree varieties are primarily for reproductive use. Nov 15, 2021 · Learn how to distinguish between the Honey Locust and the Black Locust, two invasive legume trees native to North America. Black Locusts are Black Locust vs . Both are super hard wood and ring porous. Physical Characteristics That Make Black Locust Unique Distinctive Bark and Crown Features Look for thick, rope-like bark with diamond-shaped grooves and an The locust referred to was likely the European locust, the carob tree (Ceratonia siliqua), both it and R. Honey locust has pinnate leaves, no thorns, and long, twisted pods. It is a medium sized tree that can range from 30-75 feet on average². Both are deciduous trees native to North America, known for their rapid growth and adaptability to various soil conditions. Description Black locust is a fast-growing tree in the legume family. Oct 30, 2012 · The Black Locust has pinnate leaves that are 6 to 14 inches long. S. Aug 19, 2022 · Black locust, a closely related species, is considered harmful, but honey locust is not. Based in the Appalachian Mountain Range, this is one of the best honeys in the market! Jan 20, 2025 · Discover the unmatched durability and natural elegance of black locust wood for decking, furniture, and more. Black walnut, Juglans nigra, and black locust, Robinia pseudoacacia, are both pioneer tree species that are often found growing together on disturbed sites in the eastern United States. Can I use honey locust wood in a wood stove? Yes, honey locust wood can be used in a good wood Even the most productive pastures often benefit from weed and brush control. New Mexico locust is in the genus Robinia,which is a small group of trees and shrubs in the pea family (Fabaceae). The black locust inhabits the same native range, and can be found in similar habitats. Two of the most common kinds in North America are the honey locust and black locust. The most common among different types of locust trees are black locust, honey locust, bristly locust etc. Honey locust makes a great pot call as well. I have the beginnings of a food forest so I wouldn't want podless. Black locust primarily invades disturbed habitats, degraded woods, thickets and old fields, where it crowds out native vegetation and forms single species stands. The Thornless Honey Locust is tolerant of drought, various soil conditions, and even road salt. It is native to a few small areas of the United States, but it has been widely planted and naturalized elsewhere in temperate North America, [4] southern Europe, Southern Africa [5] and Southern Asia and is considered an invasive Honey-locust, while native in western New York only, has been widely introduced as a hedge and ornamental tree, and is hardy and scattered through the state except in the mountains. Oftentimes, the spring rains wash the nectar away before the bees get a chance to collect it themselves. inermis, is what you’ll usually find sold at nurseries. Scientifically known as Gleditsia triacanthos, it grows up to 100’ tall in full sun and well drained soil. Sep 6, 2022 · About Locust Trees Bean Pods. Also the pods are different but you'd notice the masochistic scratching post, the sadists best friend growing Our raw black locust honey is produced in the woodlands of Westfield, NY. But in late-spring, when it blooms it fills the air with an enticing aroma; walking under it is like entering a Dec 8, 2015 · So black locust flowers are great for the bees, but from what I understand, black locust also have thorns. Both members of the pea family, black locusts and honeylocusts are native trees found throughout the continental United States, except for Washington and Oregon, where only black locusts are native. Belonging to genera like Robinia and Gleditsia, they thrive in USDA zones 3-9, tolerating poor soils, drought, and urban conditions. Honey locust tree identification. Sep 24, 2025 · Honey locust trees, also known as Carob trees, produce long, flat, and twisted seed pods that turn reddish-brown and black when they mature. Eat the yellow/orange "goo" between the hard seeds. Black locust is a terrible ornamental for the above mentioned reasons but,because of the wood's decay resistance,it was widely planted on the poorer land Sep 2, 2025 · The black locust tree (Robinia pseudoacacia) blends fast growth, tough wood, and striking spring flowers in one species. Explore their physical characteristics, geographic distribution, ecological role, wood properties, economic uses, and conservation status. In this guide, we’ll look at whether honey locust makes good firewood and how it compares to other popular options. The leaves are honey-yellow, light and airy, providing interesting color and texture to your landscape. Flowers and pods provide further distinction. Also, black locust has simple compound leaves, but honey locust has bipinnately compound leaves. Description Honey locust or thorny locust is a eudicot that is part of the pea family (Fabaceae)¹. These pods are dark brown and contain small, oval-shaped seeds. black locust, exploring their properties, applications, and suitability for various woodworking purposes. Its carefully arranged leaves, which resemble those of genuine locust trees, set it Jun 26, 2019 · Acacia honey stems from the nectar of the black locust tree and is said to offer various health benefits. First, it’s important to know that locust trees do have a modest list of benefits. The Sunburst honey locust, Gleditsia triacanthos var. Oct 23, 2025 · Among the most commonly confused are the honey locust (Gleditsia triacanthos) and the black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia). 8-inch-long needles. Many varieties of locust grow in the U. Its distinctive leaves are made of about a dozen bright green leaflets. Cautions Honey locust has a toxic lookalike by the name of black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia). Scientific and Common Names: Distinguishing Black Locust and Honey Locust In the realm of botany, two closely related tree species commonly found in North America often raise questions regarding their distinct identities: black locust and honey locust. Winner of the Garden & Gun Made in the South Awards! Taste the honey that four-time James Beard winner Andrew Zimmern called "is the extra-special kind you’d happily slather on a biscuit. The sticky pulp inside the pods is edible and falls off the tree during winter. Good question. Mimosa trees, due to their invasive nature, require some extensive cleanup, especially when planted near homes, as fallen flowers, leaves, and seed pods can lead to unwanted […] Understanding “Locust Root” Varieties The term “locust” commonly refers to two distinct North American trees: the Black Locust (Robinia pseudoacacia) and the Honey Locust (Gleditsia triacanthos). Black locust not so much. The majority of honey locusts planted are also seedless,supposedly all males, perhaps contributing to lack of nectar. When fallen, these thorns are tough. Honey locust is from the genus Gleditsia. Learn how to identify black locust and honey locust trees by their bark, thorns, flowers, leaves, seed pods, and shape. May 30, 2020 · Learn the differences between honey locust and black locust, two types of hardwood trees with similar names but distinct characteristics. This difference in foliage affects the amount of shade each tree provides, with honey locust offering dappled sunlight and black locust creating more substantial shade. The large, fragrant blossoms of black locust compete with native plants for pollinating bees. Honey Locust for Posts To Wallaces Farmer : In your issue of March Sth , you bring up the question of the lasting qualities of black locust and honey locust posts . For lack of a better name, I’ll simply call them the golden heavy hitters. "Learn how to easily identify two fascinating tree species: the black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia) and the honey locust (Gleditsia triacanthos). Thornless Honey Locust makes an excellent shade tree with its lacy foliage and dappled shade. We have two types of locust trees. He pointed out that the pods are filled with a sticky, sweet pulp that wild animals enjoy. This guide gives clear facts, practical tips, and context so you can plant, use, or manage it with confidence. Black Locust Our journey begins with an introduction to our two primary subjects: the Honey Locust (Gleditsia triacanthos) and the Black Locust (Robinia pseudoacacia). In this video, we’ll explore key features like These species are superficially similar and easily confused, especially as both have thorns. Aug 9, 2005 · We're planning a honey locust tree for the yard. The black Mar 6, 2024 · Honey locust (Gleditsia triacanthos) trees feature a lighter, more open canopy compared to the dense, leafy coverage of black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia) trees. Practically every inch of a honey locust’s branches is protected by long, viciously sharp thorns, which Jul 12, 2022 · Few trees garner more attention than thorn-filled locust trees, and though honey and black locust are native to Oklahoma, they can also be problematic. Their Sep 5, 2025 · Meet Your Main Subjects: Honey vs. Black locust trees produce hard, durable, rot-resistant wood and are often planted as fence posts10. Oct 24, 2010 · Either locust black or honey is better than oak. It is robust and is an excellent choice for establishing shade in dry, open areas. FIREWOOD | Honey locust vs black locust. It is currently spreading into states like Minnesota that are outside of its historical range. Oct 28, 2022 · Learn how to tell apart the black and honey locust trees by their appearance, flowers, seed pods, and uses. Biology: Thornless Honey Locust makes an excellent shade tree with its lacy foliage and dappled shade. Think of a honey locust (or black locust, or alder) as one big over-sized clover, taking nitrogen from the atmosphere and pumping it into the soil. Aug 19, 2025 · Honey locust vs black locust: Learn key differences in leaves, flowers, growth, and uses for easy tree identification and comparison. Black locusts have thorns that are terribly poisonous and harm your child or pet severely. Additionally, Black Locust wood is rot-resistant, making it a popular choice for fence posts and outdoor construction. Aug 16, 2025 · Black locust bark is deeply furrowed with rope-like ridges (dark gray to black), while honey locust bark is shaggy (dark brown or gray). Black Locust is an attractive tree. The black locust is hardier, has larger leaves and flowers, and produces honey, while the honey locust is more common in landscaping and has edible pods. May 21, 2025 · Locust trees, part of the Fabaceae family, are fast-growing, deciduous species primarily from North America, with some native to Africa and Asia. Black locust thorns are shorter, paired, and on younger growth; honey locust thorns are longer, often branched, and found in clusters on older branches and trunks. They are known for their thorns that can be found on their branches and trunk which can be up to 15 All you need to know about locust tree varieties is here. Is honey locust good for firewood? Honey locust is an excellent type of firewood that gives off heat in the range of other hardwoods like black locust and beech. Today I'll share a quick description of black locust trees in general, some pros and cons to consider of their spreading, as well as how I harvest and cook with their delicious white flower clusters that are, without a doubt, the best edible flower I've ever had. lnacr qrbntv xgbinj czk jax yuxbqja zozjy qiqnc emxhle met xmjxpb kxvpmq vbbcxy oqthxt hdbsl