Three-thorn-acacia
Gleditsia triacanthos
Last reviewed: June 2026
Three-thorn-acacia (Gleditsia triacanthos) is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs or cats (aspca.org, last reviewed 2026-05-21). If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
Light
full sun
Water
medium
Size
360"–720" H × 300"–600" W
Bloom
May, Jun
Native to
AL, AR, AZ, CA and 43 more states
Pollinators
bees, flies
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Honey locust is a large, fast-growing shade tree with delicate, feathery compound leaves that cast filtered shade. The tree produces fragrant yellow-green flower clusters in late spring and develops long, twisted seed pods that drop in fall.
In an HOA neighborhood
Three-thorn-acacia is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: moderate. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, street edge, mid zone.
- Large size requires adequate space
- Seed pods create seasonal cleanup
Wildlife value
Host plant for luna moth, io moth.
Flowers attract bees and flies in May and June. The seed pods provide food for wildlife, though they can create cleanup issues in maintained landscapes.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Does Three-thorn-acacia fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.