Thornless Honeylocust

Gleditsia triacanthos var. inermis

Fabaceae · broadleaf deciduous tree · introduced

Last updated April 25, 2026

Plant Profile

Size & Form

Height

30–70 ft

Spread

30-50 ft

Growth Rate

Fast

Size at 20 yr

35 ft

Lifespan

Moderate

Site Requirements

Light

Full Sun

Soil Drainage

Moist

Soil pH

5.0-8.0

Water

Moderate

Drought Tolerance

High

Hardiness

Zones 3a–8b

Ornamental Interest

Bloom Time

May to June

Fall Color

Yellow

Origin

from southwestern Ontario, Pennsylvania to Nebraska

Powdery MildewHigh

Active Conidial Spread

Diseases: Regionally Documented (2)

Symptom category — not a single disease Canker Multiple obligate biotrophic fungi (Erysiphales: Erysipha... Powdery Mildew

Pests: Regionally Documented (2)

Diaphnocoris chlorionis Honeylocust plant bug Dasineura gleditchiae Honeylocust pod gall midge

Phenological Calendar

View full calendar (8 stages)

Stage	Typical Window	What to Look For
Bud break BBCH 07	Feb 15-Mar 15	Buds swelling and beginning to open; first green tissue visible
Leaf emergence BBCH 11	Mar 1-Apr 1	First leaves fully unfurled on new growth
Bloom start BBCH 61	May 1-May 31	First open flowers visible; flowers yellow
Bloom end / petal fall BBCH 69	May 15-Jun 15	Last petals falling; flower structures fading
Fruit/seed development BBCH 71	Jun 1-Aug 31	Fruit or seed structures forming; fruit color: green
Fruit/seed maturity BBCH 85	Sep 1-Nov 30	Fruit fully colored and ripened; seed dispersal may begin
Fall color / leaf senescence BBCH 93	Oct 1-Nov 15	Leaves changing color; fall display beginning
Dormancy BBCH 97	Nov 15-Feb 28	Leafless; no active growth; dormant buds set

Cultivars (2)

'Emerald Kascade'

Common name: Emerald Kascade Honeylocust; Mature height: 15 ft; Origin: trade_introduction_year:

'Sunburst'

Common name: Sunburst Thornless Honeylocust; Mature height: 30–70 ft; Origin: trade_introduction_year:

Data Maturity

Structured Multiple sources. Expert review underway.