Fall Honey Locust Leaves

Honeylocust or Gleditsia tricanthos is a frequent but less common tree seen east of the Mississippi river and in the United States. The fall color can be striking golden yellow but some specimens tend to dry out to orange-brown in late summer. It is rare to find a complete leaf with all the leaflets at color crest (see photo). Honeylocust is common in rich, moist soils and is a lowland tree. The locust has been commonly cultivated and is naturalized outside its native range. One common cultivar planted for color is called 'Golden' where new leaves turn a pale yellow.