Honey locusts can reach a height of 80 feet (24 meters). They grow quickly, which make them useful plantings in areas where shade is wanted quickly, such as new parks or housing developments, and in disturbed and "reclaimed" environments, such as former surface mines. They are relatively short-lived, however, and prone to losing large branches in windstorms.
The leaves are compound, and dark green. They turn yellow in the fall. Strongly scented cream-colored flowers appear in late Spring, in clusters emerging from the base of the leaf axes.
Honey locusts have long, branching spines growing out of the twigs. It has been suggested that they evolved to protect the trees from now-extinct large animals. Thornless cultivated varieties have been developed, and are occasionally found growing wild.
The pulp on the insides of the pods is edible and sweet; however, do not confuse this plant with black locust, which is toxic. Interestingly honey locust is not a significant honey plant, while black locust honey is prized.
