Three-thorn-acacia
Gleditsia triacanthos
Last reviewed: June 2026
Gleditsia triacanthos (honey locust) is a deciduous tree native to central and eastern North America that blooms in May and June. This adaptable species tolerates drought and supports various pollinators including bees and flies.
Three-thorn-acacia (Gleditsia triacanthos) is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs or cats (aspca.org (opens in new tab), last reviewed 2026-05-21). If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Three-thorn-acacia as toxic to livestock.
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.
Growing Three-thorn-acacia
Grow Three-thorn-acacia in full sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 360 to 720 inches tall and spread 300 to 600 inches wide. Expect moderate maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
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.
Common questions
- When does Gleditsia triacanthos bloom?
- Gleditsia triacanthos blooms during May and June, producing small greenish-yellow flowers that attract bees and flies.
- What pollinators visit honey locust trees?
- Honey locust flowers are primarily visited by bees and flies, which help pollinate the small, fragrant blooms.
- Where is Gleditsia triacanthos native?
- Honey locust is native to a large portion of North America, naturally occurring from the Great Plains eastward to the Atlantic Coast and from southern Canada to the Gulf of Mexico.
- What growing conditions does honey locust prefer?
- Gleditsia triacanthos grows best in full sun but tolerates partial sun, and adapts to both medium and low water conditions once established.
- Is Three-thorn-acacia toxic to dogs?
- Three-thorn-acacia is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
- Is Three-thorn-acacia toxic to cats?
- Three-thorn-acacia is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
- Is Three-thorn-acacia toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Three-thorn-acacia as toxic to livestock.
- Is Three-thorn-acacia HOA-friendly?
- Three-thorn-acacia is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.
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.
Ready to grow Three-thorn-acacia? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz