Black locust vs honey locust. Honey Locust Gleditisia triacanthos L.

Black locust vs honey locust. Explore their physical characteristics, geographic distribution, ecological role, wood properties, economic uses, and conservation status. Identifying Gleditsia triacanthos by leaves, bark, flowers, seeds and shape. The thornless skyline honeylocust tree has captured the hearts of arborists, community foresters and homeowners throughout America. Honey locust has pods that contain edible seeds, while the pods of other locust tree varieties are primarily for reproductive use. Close-up of honey locust spine. There are two types of locust trees: the desert woody locust (Robinia pseudoacacia) (Black Locust) and the swamp locust (Gleditsia triacanthos) (Honey Locust). It is a medium sized tree that can range from 30-75 feet on average². 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. 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 Mar 12, 2024 · False Acacia (Robinia) False acacia, also commonly known as black locust, looks like real locust trees, which can confuse people. Apr 25, 2018 · Black locust flowers are a favorite spring flower for pollinators, especially honey bees and many species of native bees. Along streams Mar 19, 2008 · Just remember: the locust honey is generally from black locust, not honey locust. Honey locust has an edible gum inside the pods! Does anyone have (9/24/05)-Host Steve Owens talks about the honey locust and black locust trees. In a place overrun with deer like here, I think this can only be an advantage. Apparently black locust and honey locust form thorns on suckers, regardless of the amount of thorns on the parent tree. Additionally, Black Locust wood is rot-resistant, making it a popular choice for fence posts and outdoor construction. Thornless honey locust has yellow leaves. 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. Honey locust leafs out in late spring so they are still in bud stage right now (not to be confused with the other leaves in the pic!). Here at the farm we have counted 8 different hummingbirds in our Mimosa tree at one time. These deciduous trees not only provide shade and visual interest but they are also known for their tolerance to various environmental conditions. It makes a rose bush look like a plushie. We have two types of locust trees. Two primary species of locust trees are commonly found in North America: the black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia) and the honey locust (Gleditsia triacanthos). It has contorted grey bark, deeply contoured, and it doesn't always grow straight. Our raw black locust honey is produced in the woodlands of Westfield, NY. It grows at a moderately fast rate. This is black locust, Robinia pseudoacacia, also known as yellow locust. 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. Honey locust tree identification. While many wild plants offer a bounty for the knowledgeable forager, some present a dangerous puzzle that demands careful attention. The Honeylocust has much lighter hued green leaves that tend to drop off earlier in the fall season then the other two. Discover the distinctions between Honey Locust and Black Locust trees, both adaptable deciduous trees that grow worldwide. European woodworkers were the first to start referring to trees as hardwood and softwood. There are two types of tree referred to commonly as ‘locust’ – the black locust and the honey locust. Black Locust blooming is a beekeeper sign to super up their hive for excess honey to harve… Sep 12, 2025 · Black and honey locust tree thorns are harmful to some extent, but the main difference lies in their level of toxicity. At this point they can be collected for the taste good they contain. leaning toward the house. An important tree for wildlife, bees and flies pollinate the flowers, insects feed on the tree, and birds & many mammals eat the seed pods. Both trees have pinnately compound leaves that are divided into many leaflets. The black locust inhabits the same native range, and can be found in similar habitats. Black locust has brown wood. 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. 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! These species are superficially similar and easily confused, especially as both have thorns. Sincerely, John A. 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. The honey locust, Gleditsia triacanthos, has many more thorns on the bark and the thorns get up to 8" in clusters of three. Nonetheless, as different species of locusts, May 28, 2013 · The black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia, also called the false Acacia) is a somewhat ugly tree, 50 weeks out of the year. S. In this firewood video my supplier Darin and I split green honey locust and semi-seasoned black locust firewood bl 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. These tall, airy trees have a number of differences, some of which affect their suitability as landscape specimens for home gardeners. Both the Kentucky Coffeetree and the Black Locust have leaflets that are a deep shade of green with a blue tinge. Jun 29, 2017 · The honey is extracted in a stainless steel extractor, then strained through a 400 micron filter. If you ever try to get rid of locust trees, heed this true story: I had one, rotten and full of ants. Jun 25, 2021 · Growing locust trees is easy and they adapt well to lawn and street conditions. Black vs Honey Locust Trees The black locust and honey locust are trees that grow in warm climates. Its habit of growing in open rather than forest situations gives its wood a knotty character. Even the most productive pastures often benefit from weed and brush control. Black locust is superior to honey locust. Mar 31, 2017 · Hi All! First time poster here :) Here's an awesome resource I found about the basics of identifying a black locust vs. Black locust primarily invades disturbed habitats, degraded woods, thickets and old fields, where it crowds out native vegetation and forms single species stands. In woodworking, both Black Locust and Honey Locust are used where hard and strong wood is needed. Black locusts have poisonous thorns that can harm children or pets severely. I have the beginnings of a food forest so I wouldn't want podless. Honey locust and coffeetree both lack tyloses but produce a strong fluorescent response under blacklight, and conversely, osage orange and (sometimes) red mulberry both have tyloses, but lack fluorescence. This photo has been viewed over 1,800 times since it was added in Summer 2009. 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 Dec 8, 2020 · That looks like black locust. You'd know if it was in the area. The black May 30, 2020 · Once you compare honey locust vs. Honey locust is yellow and the Thornless variety is orange. Many varieties of locust trees have long sharp thorns and there are a Nov 4, 2023 · Black locust has compound leaves, thorns, and fragrant white flowers. Family: Fabaceae The Honey Locust is a common tree in Ohio and throughout the United States. Honey locust thorns are much longer (up to 8″ long), and juvenile black locust has similar thorns. These species can be distinguished based on their leaf structure. Offers high BTUs, a long burn time, and excellent coals. Aug 19, 2022 · Black locust, a closely related species, is considered harmful, but honey locust is not. Today’s article will focus on the black locust. Dense clones of locust create shaded islands with little ground vegetation. Its carefully arranged leaves, which resemble those of genuine locust trees, set it Honey locust checks all the boxes. Find and save ideas about black locust tree identification on Pinterest. Honey locust is native to central North America. The easiest way to recognize the native Honey Locust is to look for the stout sharply pointed branched spines. Find out the similarities and differences between these two locust species in terms of hardiness, size, soil preference, and more. I think its a honey locust but do not want to mix it up with a black locust. Black locust prefers drier, more nutrient poor habitats, whereas honey locust is more restricted to moister, nutrient-rich sites. Lack of ground fuel limits the use of fire in natural disturbance regimes. Jun 26, 2019 · Acacia honey stems from the nectar of the black locust tree and is said to offer various health benefits. Outside its natural range it can be an 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. 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 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. Jan 4, 2024 · Acacia honey, also called locust honey, is produced by honeybees that collect nectar from black locust trees (Robinia pseudoacacia). inermis Suncole, is podless and thornless as is the Shade Master. The majority of honey locusts planted are also seedless,supposedly all males, perhaps contributing to lack of nectar. Black Locust Trees are some of the fastest growing hardwoods in North America. How do the thorns of black locust compare to the thorns of honey locust? Dec 13, 2024 · "Learn how to easily identify two fascinating tree species: the black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia) and the honey locust (Gleditsia triacanthos). No one who has ever dealt with both will confuse a honey locust for a black locust. 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. That just leaves just two pairs of species, a total of four woods, to sort through. Dec 30, 2023 · Black Locust (Robinia pseudoacacia): Black locust trees produce shorter and wider seed pods compared to honey locusts. 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. Honey locust is from the genus Gleditsia. honey locust. 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. black locust - Robinia pseudoacacia honey locust is a diffuse porous tree. Close-ups of very young honey locust seed pods. These trees have alternate, pinnately compound leaves with paired leaflets¹. Honey locust trees are known for their delicate leaves and attractive, long, flat seedpods, and are more resistant to pests and diseases than black locust trees. Thornless Honey Locust makes an excellent shade tree with its lacy foliage and dappled shade. It’s critical to understand the environment in which a particular tree has grown before selecting the wood. Black ocusts can live to be 90 years old5. a. [1] [2] [3 Jan 10, 2009 · Black locust is great stuff, and doesn't have the big, nasty thorns like honey locust. Kentucky Coffee Tree The Kentucky Coffee Tree (Gymnocladus dioicus) is another tree often confused with the Honey The locust referred to was likely the European locust, the carob tree (Ceratonia siliqua), both it and R. One non-scientific document about the suckering issue, suggested the only way to deal with black locust roots in unwanted places, was to start by poisoning the parent tree. 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 What is the Honey Locust tree? The Honey Locust is a short lived, medium sized deciduous hardwood tree native to Eastern North America. Learn how to identify black locust and honey locust trees by their bark, thorns, flowers, leaves, seed pods, and shape. Apr 11, 2018 · The black locust thorns (if I have my id's right) aren't that bad, the honey locust are the huge multi branched suckers. Black Locusts are Black Locust vs. The most common types of locust trees are the black locust and honey locust tree. Jul 16, 2021 · What is Acacia Honey? Acacia honey, like many other specialized organic kinds of honey, is derived purely from the nectar of the black locust tree flowers. In this video, we’ll explore key features like 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. Learn uses, grow & care, seed germination, and how to control Black Locust 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. 69K subscribers 138 Oct 3, 2022 · There are diverse distinctions between black locusts and honey locust trees. " Black Locust is one of the first nectar sources for bees foraging in our Appalachian forests. This variety is thornless, and the seeds and pods provide food for wildlife such as deer and squirrels. 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. Keslick, Jr. 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. Sep 6, 2022 · About Locust Trees Bean Pods. Can I use honey locust wood in a wood stove? Yes, honey locust wood can be used in a good wood Sep 19, 2023 · Honey Locust Gleditsia triacanthos, or Honeylocust, can be found growing in woodlands and abandoned fields throughout the state. Honey Locust vs Black Locust: What's The Difference Between Both May 3, 2023 · Honeylocust trees are a popular choice for landscaping due to their versatility, beauty, and adaptability. The black locust tree's botanical name is Robinia pseudoacacia and the honey locust tree's is Gleditsia triacanthos. Belonging to genera like Robinia and Gleditsia, they thrive in USDA zones 3-9, tolerating poor soils, drought, and urban conditions. Based in the Appalachian Mountain Range, this is one of the best honeys in the market! 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. 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. Still TBD. Honey locust is thin. Honey Locust Gleditisia triacanthos L. pseudoacacia are legumes and have pod-like fruit and compound leaves. Physical Description: Black Locust trees have a form one could easily describe as coming out of a fantasy novel, with a long straight trunk that flairs out into intricately curved branches at its top, deeply furrowed bark, and intimidating thorns. The canopy is nice enough, but the strange leaves don't provide much shade. The Thornless Honey Locust is tolerant of drought, various soil conditions, and even road salt. 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). Although it shares a similar common name with honey locust, the two are in separate genera— Robinia and Gleditsia, respectively. It is mostly found in the moist soil of river valleys ranging from southeastern South Dakota to New Orleans and central Texas, and as far east as eastern Massachusetts. Black locusts have thorns that are terribly poisonous and harm your child or pet severely. Rivals top-tier firewood like hickory. Honey Locust vs. Aug 12, 2025 · Black locust trees have large, showy scented flowers, while honey locust trees have smaller, insignificant white clusters. May 13, 2014 · We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. 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. None of them are good and should be killed on sight. Jan 12, 2024 · Discover the differences between black locust and honey locust trees. From contributor K: It is not a coffee tree. -The honey locust pods are edible and contain about 30% sugar in 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. Also the pods are different but you'd notice the masochistic scratching post, the sadists best friend growing The only other tree that Honey Locust can be confused with in the Midwest is Black Locust (Robinia pseudoacacia). It can be coppiced on rotation creating a perpetual woodlot. The flower-like aroma attracts the honeybees to the blooms. Each of the ovals is a single leaflet portion of the full leaf. 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. But black locust is nicknamed the devil's walking stick for a reason. Caution: Black locust leaves, stem, bark and seeds contain the toxic compounds robinin and robitin. While it is also hard, it lacks durability making it prone to insect attacks and rotting. Locust trees are hardy trees that are known for their hard and durable wood, fragrant sweet spring flowers, and colorful fall foliage. black locust, exploring their properties, applications, and suitability for various woodworking purposes. 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. Both have thorns but honey locust has a Thornless variety. Known for their feathery, pinnate leaves and often thorny branches, they add texture and shade to landscapes. The large, fragrant blossoms of black locust compete with native plants for pollinating bees. I've added information on the Black Locust Tree and the Honey. Black vs Honey Locust Trees Black locust and honey locust trees grow in places with sunny or warm temperatures. Scientifically known as Gleditsia triacanthos, it grows up to 100’ tall in full sun and well drained soil. , with honey locust and black locust being most common. Honey locust trees are highly adaptable to different environments, and some species are cultivated 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. Black Locust has slightly larger leaflets, fewer thorns, shorter seedpods, and more showy white flowers. Uses: Honey locusts produce a high quality, durable wood that polishes well, but the tree does not grow in sufficient numbers to support a bulk industry; however, a niche market 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. Oct 18, 2005 · The honey locust have larger thorns while the black locust will usually have smaller thorns on the young trees branches. Apr 22, 2025 · The honey locust, also known as the thorny locust or thorny honeylocust, is a deciduous tree native to central North America. This tree gets covered in pretty clusters of white or pink flowers in the spring, making it even more similar to real locust trees. This article reviews the nutrition, benefits, and potential downsides of acacia honey. This photo is also one of my favorites, since these trees grew on my Jul 23, 2024 · Elevate your garden's charm and durability with the ideal Honey Locust cultivar 🌳—find out how! Honey locust (Gleditsia triacanthos). 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 […] In this guide, we’ll look at whether honey locust makes good firewood and how it compares to other popular options. It is ideal for firewood, fence posts, and polewood. 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. Discover the main distinctions between Black and Honey Locust trees in terms of appearance, thorns, fragrances, seed pods, wood, and more. Aug 1, 2009 · Black Locust v. 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. Honey locust and black locust trees flourish in warm, sunny climates. The main Apr 6, 2023 · With age, the heartwood will darken. Honey locust leaf, compound in structure. [4] Honey locust trees are highly adaptable to different environments, and the species has been introduced worldwide. While their shared family lineage and similar appearance may lead to confusion, their scientific and common names provide crucial insights into 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. Many varieties of locust grow in the U. The leaves of the honey locust trees can be easily confused with a close relative, the black locust. Description Honey locust or thorny locust is a eudicot that is part of the pea family (Fabaceae)¹. 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. Locust trees are known for their hardy nature, durable wood, fragrant sweet spring flowers, and vibrant fall foliage. is it safe (minus the obvious thorns) Jul 19, 2025 · Black locust trees are interplanted with trees such as chestnut, apple, and mulberry, and their thorns help keep deer away. 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. These trees are ideal for various purposes such as landscaping and timber production, while some locust tree varieties The light, dappled shade cast by the lacy foliage of thornless honey-locust is only one of its virtues. Black Locust Hardness When it comes to deciding between black locust or honey locust, the first thing you probably want to consider is the hardness of each type of lumber. is it safe (minus the obvious thorns) to have in my yard? Sep 6, 2022 · What Is the Difference Between a Black & Honeylocust?. First, it’s important to know that locust trees do have a modest list of benefits. A common distinguishing factor is the number of thorns, as black locust tends to have more subtle and a lower number of thorns. feel free to add something as needed. Honey Locust and Black Locust thorns and foliage Barkin' up the right tree 1. The weather and other environmental factors that the black locust and honey locust trees have grown in have a significant impact on their nature. Jan 11, 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. While honey and black locust trees are native to Oklahoma, they can also be problematic outside of cultivation. Aug 5, 2022 · Locust trees are a type of tree native to the Western Hemisphere that thrives in dry climates. Almost mature Honey Locust pods. Think of nitrogen-fixing trees as oversized clovers Next, let’s look at how a honey locust boosts fertility around it. black locust, you will be able to determine which type of locust lumber might best suit the project you have in mind. . Honey locust has pinnate leaves, no thorns, and long, twisted pods. Cautions Honey locust has a toxic lookalike by the name of black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia). Kentucky Coffeetree – Ninja Gardening – Episode 35 . 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. Also, black locust has simple compound leaves, but honey locust has bipinnately compound leaves. honey locust - Gleditsia triacanthos b. Heights of 30 to 50 feet and a crown spread of 25 to 35 feet are normal. May 29, 2025 · Some characteristics of honey locust trees are an excellent match for black locust trees, and hence the name. NOTE: We try to weed out all of the "thorny" seedlings in the Honey Locust trees, on the other hand, have more delicate leaves and less pronounced flowers. Their 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. 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. Comparison of Black Locust vs. I had it cut down, then went on a 2 week vacation. Explore the unique features of each species and learn how to identify them. Carob (Ceratonia siliqua): Carob trees are also known as locust bean trees and produce elongated, brown seed pods. 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. This size filter allows the pollen granules to filter through and remain in the 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. Black locust trees have rough, deeply furrowed bark and smaller thorns, while honey locust trees have flat-plate style bark and larger thorns. On the other hand, honey locust ones are not as toxic, though they take time to heal. But in late-spring, when it blooms it fills the air with an enticing aroma; walking under it is like entering a Good question. It is highly adaptable to different environments and can exhibit significant variations in leaf shape, size, and thorn development depending on environmental conditions. To 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. This is my photo with the highest number of all time views under my flickr statistics as of Spring 2013. Jul 24, 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. That said, pics of the tree would be more helpful (to me at least) even if the leaves are fallen. They also have large, branched thorns on their trunks and branches Ed to write a brief description of the similarities and differences of honey locust (herein referred to as HL) and Black Locusts (herein referred to as BL). The nectar produces a floral, fru May 15, 2017 · Beekeepers, like farmers, still look outside in the natural world to gauge how to manage their honey crop. One would have to know the type of locust inwhich to compare. Hope this helps you. We never heat our honey - our honey is pure, raw honey. Mature Size Although not related to Black locust, Honeylocust belongs to the legume family. It'll be a thornless/seedless variety I belive. This blog post delves into a comprehensive comparison of honey vs. Apr 29, 2022 · Black locust wood is harder and more durable and often used for exterior installations, but its hardness makes it a challenge. Black locust has thick bark. In terms of toxicity, the honey locust is safe for consumption and makes most varieties prone to animal destruction due to its sweet taste. How does UV Exposure affect the appearance? 👈 When I Googled that, I saw a bunch of articles about Locust turning green under a blacklight: Weird. 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. Dec 1, 2021 · My aunt has a bunch of trees behind her house that I was told are black locust. The Black Locust is a fast-growing, medium-sized tree, usually ranging from 35-75 feet tall, and 1-2 feet in diameter, although older trees have the Sep 30, 2023 · Black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia) is a fast growing tree in the legume family that can reach up to 75 feet in height. Jul 25, 2023 · Locust trees are fast-growing flowering trees that belong to a family of flowering plants called Fabaceae. When fallen, these thorns are tough. The leaves are honey-yellow, light and airy, providing interesting color and texture to your landscape. Mar 12, 2023 · Is it Black Locust or Honey Locust? So I began Googling. These pods are dark brown and contain small, oval-shaped seeds. Arborist 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. Oct 30, 2012 · The Black Locust has pinnate leaves that are 6 to 14 inches long. Honey locust wood is safer to work with, but it is equally as hard to process. The honey locust can have huge spikes with "spikelets" comming out of the trunk of fully mature trees. They are known for their thorns that can be found on their branches and trunk which can be up to 15 Black locust is a fast-growing native nitrogen-fixing tree with incredibly rot-resistant wood. 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. 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. The wood is hard, strong, coarse-grained, but not so durable in contact with the soil as is the black locust. can I have help identifying this tree. Black Locust is the more durable type and common for exterior installations while Honey Locust is less resilient but easier to work with. Sep 6, 2025 · Image taken from the YouTube channel Plant Assassin , from the video titled Black Locust vs. Both trees' wood grains finish up super nice with sanding. Honey locust and green locust are easily confused sure. 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. Learn how to identify and control two common locust species in pastures and restore productivity to your grazing acres. It has relatively smooth-ish bark. FIREWOOD | Honey locust vs black locust. 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 trees produce hard, durable, rot-resistant wood and are often planted as fence posts10. The trees haven’t leafed out yet, but here are a couple pics. The two most common types of locust trees are black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia), also called false acacia, and honey locust (Gleditsia triacanthos) and both types are North American natives. Honey locust leaves are bright green, while black locust leaves are blue-green. Can I have help identifying this tree. Nov 15, 2021 · Learn how to distinguish between the Honey Locust and the Black Locust, two invasive legume trees native to North America. Jul 18, 2023 · What are the similarities and differences between honey locust and black locust? In this article, we cover a side-by-side comparison of key attributes for each tree. For starters, these trees were and occasionally are planted for Once introduced to an area, black locust expands readily into areas where their shade reduces competition from other (sun-loving) plants. Both are super hard wood and ring porous. Feb 8, 2025 · Key Takeaways: Locust is an excellent firewood. Learning the environment in which a particular tree has grown is important in choosing your wood. Different smelling wood. It also is durable and adaptable, tolerating a wide range of soil conditions as well as drought, and road salt, and has a lovely yellow fall color. Black Locust has the rough bark and is from the genus Robinia. Honey Locust broadleaf tree identification A little collage I made comparing the leaf characteristics of the two species. Both of these trees are known to thrive in sunny climates. Oct 28, 2022 · Learn how to tell apart the black and honey locust trees by their appearance, flowers, seed pods, and uses. So I pulled out a LED strip black light: Not sure if this is really a black light, or just a really-purplish LED strip: No green All you need to know about locust tree varieties is here. Find out about their pods, flowers, wood, and toxicity to humans and animals. 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] Europe, Southern Africa [5] and Asia and is considered an invasive species in some The Sunburst honey locust, Gleditsia triacanthos var. 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 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. The most common among different types of locust trees are black locust, honey locust, bristly locust etc. Honey locust is actually a different genus if we are using the same common names of the trees. black locust is a ring porous 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. 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 wood cannot rot thanks to the contact points of the slats because Black locust is hard and very resistant to abrasion and rot. The black locust tree, also known as false acacia, is native to North America but also present in Europe. Images of a honeylocust tree. Aug 9, 2005 · We're planning a honey locust tree for the yard. It has deeply furrowed bark with fl at-topped ridges, and seedlings and root sprouts have long thorns and grow rapidly. Outside of cultivation thorns are common on both species, and the thorns of honey locust are much longer (up to 8” long). Dec 8, 2015 · So black locust flowers are great for the bees, but from what I understand, black locust also have thorns. Beekeepers in this area are especially fond of black locust trees because black locusts are often one of the primary sources of honey that can be harvested in the spring. Honey locust spines on branches along with flowers. irj bgyanw lhh uzbz jmxvfxpx rouz cxks ifbbtda npgn ylhwvymkt