Honey Locust Identification: Thorny but Wildlife-Friendly

The tree with fierce thorns on trunk and branches, mimosa-like leaves, and large bean pods is a honey locust (Gleditsia triacanthos). While the thorns are hazardous, the sweet pulp inside the pods feeds wildlife.

Thornless Alternative

Nurseries sell thornless honey locust (Gleditsia triacanthos var. inermis) for landscape use. It provides the same light shade and attractive form without the danger.

See Honey Locust – Tree Identification and Honey Locust Info.

Honey locust pod and leaf