Honeylocust
Full bloomGleditsia triacanthos
Fabaceae · broadleaf deciduous tree · introduced
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.
Plant Profile
Size & Form
Site Requirements
Ornamental Interest
Field Observations
Active Conidial Spread
Diseases: Regionally Documented (2)
Pests: Regionally Documented (2)
Phenological Calendar
As of June 3, 2026, Puget Sound stations range from 2435.5 to 2672.8 GDD₃₂. Honeylocust has passed full bloom (2269 GDD₃₂).
Regional Season Tracker
GDD₃₂ accumulation across 7 Puget Sound stations · as of Jun 3, 2026| Station | GDD₃₂ | Current Stage | Next | To Go |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Issaquah / East King | 2,673 | Full bloom | — | — |
| Kent / Auburn | 2,665 | Full bloom | — | — |
| Seattle / UW | 2,610 | Full bloom | — | — |
| Olympia / Tumwater | 2,570 | Full bloom | — | — |
| Tacoma / Puyallup | 2,535 | Full bloom | — | — |
| Bellingham / Whatcom | 2,533 | Full bloom | — | — |
| Sequim / Rain Shadow | 2,436 | Full bloom | — | — |
View full calendar (9 stages)
| Stage | GDD32 | Typical Window |
|---|---|---|
| Bloom start BBCH 61 | 1794 | May 1-May 31 |
| ● Full bloom BBCH 65 NOW | 2269 | — |
| Bud break BBCH 07 | — | Feb 15-Mar 15 |
| Leaf emergence BBCH 11 | 1624 Observed | 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 Jun 3, 2026. Predicted dates use 16-day weather forecast through Jun 19, 2026, then climate normals.