Gleditsia

Gleditsia Honey Locust Tree – NZ’s Best!

Growing colourful trees such as the Gleditsia Honey Locust treei n your garden delivers a vast range of benefits:

• They are visual plants that add impact to a space.
• They attract birds and bees.
• Street appeal can be greatly enhanced.
• They can provide shelter and screening.
• Children can learn the plants and become more involved with nature.
• These plants will bring you pleasure for many years to come.

We have the largest variety of Gleditsia trees and the right one for your space. Our Honey Locust trees have been selected to thrive in NZ’s climate. We grow and stock only the highest quality plants, sourcing them locally, and from NZ’s leading nurseries. Each plant is packed and transported with extreme care, ensuring it arrives to you in the same condition it was in when it left the nursery. If you are wanting to buy Gleditsia trees, shop with confidence from the best in the industry.

Gleditsia Tree Questions

1. Are Gleditsia trees fast growing?

Yes, Gleditsia, or honeylocust trees, are fast growing trees. They can grow up to 1 m per year in ideal conditions. Honeylocust trees are known for their tolerance for a variety of soil and climate conditions, making them a popular choice for urban and suburban landscapes.

2. How big do Gleditsia grow to?

Honeylocust trees can grow to be 20-30 m tall and 15-20 m wide. They have long, arching branches that give the tree a weeping appearance. They are also known for their beautiful, fern-like foliage, which turn a brilliant golden yellow in autumn.

3. Do thorny locust trees attract birds?

Thorny locust trees are also a good choice for attracting wildlife, as they provide food and shelter for birds and other animals.

4. What is the difference between Robinia and Gleditsia?

Robinia and Gleditsia are two genera of trees that are closely related and often confused with each other. However, there are some key differences between the two.

Robinia

• Leaves are compound, with each leaf composed of several smaller leaflets.
• Flowers are white, pink, or purple, and are arranged in racemes (elongated clusters).
• Fruit are pods that contain several seeds.
• Examples: Robinia pseudoacacia (black locust) and Robinia viscosa (clammy locust).

Gleditsia

• Leaves are compound, but each leaf is divided into two main leaflets.
• Flowers are greenish-white, and are arranged in axillary clusters.
• Fruit are long, flat pods that contain several seeds.
• Examples: Gleditsia triacanthos (honey locust) and Gleditsia aquatica (water locust).

5. Is Gleditsia poisonous?

The answer to this question depends on the part of the Gleditsia plant that you are referring to. The seeds of Gleditsia trees are poisonous to humans and animals, but the leaves, bark, and flowers are not. The seeds contain a toxin called mimosine, which can cause a variety of symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and abdominal pain. In severe cases, mimosine poisoning can lead to liver damage and even death.

The leaves, bark, and flowers of Gleditsia trees are not poisonous, but they can cause skin irritation in some people.

6. Is Gleditsia sunburst fast growing?

Gleditsia sunburst is considered a moderate to fast-growing tree. It typically grows 1-2 m per year when young, making it a good choice for those who want a tree that will provide shade and privacy relatively quickly.

Here are some factors that can affect the growth rate of a Gleditsia sunburst:

• Soil: Well-draining, fertile soil will help the tree grow faster.
• Sun exposure: Full sun is best for optimal growth.
• Water: The tree needs regular watering, especially during the first few years after planting.
• Fertiliser: Feeding the tree once a year in the spring will help it grow faster. Use a specific blend for trees: https://www.theplantcompany.co.nz/shop/product/fertiliser/tree-and-shrub-fertiliser

With proper care, a Gleditsia sunburst can reach 7-10 m (20-30 feet) tall and 7 m wide when mature.

Here are some additional things to keep in mind about Gleditsia sunburst trees:

• They are thornless, unlike some other honeysuckle trees.
• They have beautiful, fern-like foliage that is golden yellow in the spring, green in the summer, and golden yellow in the fall.
• They are relatively pest- and disease-resistant.

7. What is the difference between Gleditsia Shademaster and Gleditsia Skyline?

Both Gleditsia Shademaster and Gleditsia Skyline are cultivars of the honeylocust tree (Gleditsia triacanthos), known for their fast growth, attractive foliage, and tolerance for diverse conditions. However, they do have some key differences:

Growth Habit:

• Shademaster: Grows in a broadly pyramidal shape, reaching a mature height of 13-15 meters (43-49 feet) and a spread of 10-12 meters (33-39 feet).
• Skyline: Has a narrow, upright form with a more columnar shape, reaching a mature height of 15-18 meters (49-59 feet) and a spread of 6-8 meters (20-26 feet).

Foliage:

• Shademaster: Features larger, bright green leaves with 18-24 leaflets per leaf.
• Skyline: Has smaller, darker green leaves with 10-16 leaflets per leaf.

Other Differences:

• Shademaster: Produces more flowers and pods than Skyline.
• Skyline: May be slightly more drought-tolerant than Shademaster.

Choosing Between Them:

• If you need a tree for shade, Shademaster's broader canopy is a better choice.
• If you have limited space, Skyline's narrower form is ideal.
• Consider your aesthetic preferences: Shademaster's lush foliage contrasts beautifully with its dark bark, while Skyline's slender form offers a more streamlined look.

Ultimately, the best choice for you depends on your specific needs and preferences.