Gleditsia triacanthos var. inermis, commonly known as the thornless honey locust, is a hardy and adaptable deciduous tree prized for its attractive form and practical landscape uses. Native to central North America, this variety differs from the wild type by lacking the sharp, branched thorns that typically arm the trunk and branches, making it a safer and more desirable choice for urban and residential settings. It grows rapidly, often reaching 30 to 70 feet in height with an open, spreading canopy that allows dappled sunlight to filter through, creating light shade ideal for turf or underplantings. The pinnately or bipinnately compound leaves are small, delicate, and bright green in spring and summer, turning a warm yellow in autumn before dropping early, which reduces heavy leaf litter. In late spring, the tree produces inconspicuous greenish-yellow flowers that are mildly fragrant and attract pollinators, followed by slender, twisted pods that persist into winter and often serve as a food source for wildlife. Highly tolerant of drought, compacted soils, urban pollution, and a range of pH conditions, Gleditsia triacanthos inermis is frequently planted as a street tree, in parks, and in large landscapes for its resilience and graceful appearance.
 
Growing Instructions
 
Scarify the seeds by nicking or sanding the seed coat.
Soak the seed in water for 24 hours.
The seeds like moist, well-drained soil. Prepare a mixture of half potting soil and half sand, perlite or vermiculite. Put the soil in a pot. Water the mixture so that it is moist but not wet.
Put the seeds on the soil.
Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil.
Water the seeds.
Place the pots in an area in full sun or part shade.
When the seedlings are a few inches tall, they can be transplanted.