Honeylocust
Near Full bloomGleditsia triacanthos
Fabaceae · broadleaf deciduous tree · native
Last updated
You recognize Honeylocust by its feathery bipinnate leaves creating dappled shade, and its spiney trunk and branches that inspired the common name. The fragrant yellowish flowers appear before leaves in spring, followed by long brown pods. This fast-growing native prefers infrequent deep watering and adapts to poor soils.
Honeylocust tolerates full sun and a wide range of soil conditions, from clay to sand. Plant thornless cultivars where spines are problematic. Once established, it requires minimal watering even in drought. Monitor for stem borers and webworms. The tree's rapid growth and low maintenance make it valuable for difficult sites, though falling pods and leaflets require occasional cleanup.
Quick Facts
Spring Emergence / Primary Infection
Field Observations
Phenological Calendar
As of May 13, 2026, Puget Sound stations range from 1906.2 to 2098.2 GDD₃₂. Honeylocust has reached bloom start (1794 GDD₃₂) and is approaching full bloom, predicted around May 21.
Regional Season Tracker
GDD₃₂ accumulation across 7 Puget Sound stations · as of May 13, 2026| Station | GDD₃₂ | Current Stage | Next | To Go |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Issaquah / East King | 2,098 | Bloom start | Full bloom | 171 |
| Kent / Auburn | 2,089 | Bloom start | Full bloom | 180 |
| Seattle / UW | 2,063 | Bloom start | Full bloom | 206 |
| Olympia / Tumwater | 2,025 | Bloom start | Full bloom | 244 |
| Tacoma / Puyallup | 1,993 | Bloom start | Full bloom | 276 |
| Bellingham / Whatcom | 1,972 | Bloom start | Full bloom | 297 |
| Sequim / Rain Shadow | 1,906 | Bloom start | Full bloom | 363 |
| Stage | GDD32 | Typical Window |
|---|---|---|
| ● Bloom start BBCH 61 NOW | 1794 | May 1-May 31 |
| ○ Full bloom BBCH 65 NEXT | 2269 | — est. May 21 (forecast) |
| Bud break BBCH 07 | — | Feb 15-Mar 15 |
| Leaf emergence BBCH 11 | 1624 | Late April |
| Bloom end / petal fall BBCH 69 | — | May 15-Jun 15 |
| Fruit/seed development BBCH 71 | — | Jun 1-Aug 31 |
| Fruit/seed maturity BBCH 85 | — | Sep 1-Nov 30 |
| Fall color / leaf senescence BBCH 93 | — | Oct 1-Nov 15 |
| Dormancy BBCH 97 | — | Nov 15-Feb 28 |
Sources: USDA Plants Database (seasonal estimate) ; UMD phenology catalog (UMD: extension.umd.edu) ; 'Field observation, Kent, WA, 2026-04-27' About GDD₃₂ →
Season tracker for Kent / Auburn as of May 13, 2026. Predicted dates use 16-day weather forecast through May 29, 2026, then climate normals.