Honey Locust

Description:

Honey locusts is a deciduous tree that can reach a height of 20-30 m. They are fast growing and live up to 120 years. The leaves are pinnately compound on older trees but bipinnately compound on younger ones. This specimen is an older one. The leaves turn yellow in the fall. Unlike the black locust, the legumes of the Honey locusts are edible and mature early autumn. The fruit bodies are 15-20 cm long. Honey locusts have thorns 3-10 cm that form in dense clusters.

Habitat:

Honey locusts is native to Eastern North America. It can be found most commonly growing in river valleys with moist soil. It habitat ranges from Texas to as far as Massachusetts. It can be considered an invasive species in Michigan. In other parts of the world it is considered a significant invasive species, particularly in Australia.

Notes:

The tree itself is not a significant producer of honey, but its legumes are sweet. Native Americans use them in herbal medicine and the fruit can also be fermented for beer.