Did you know that there are two types of locust trees? Black locust and honey locust trees both have their own unique benefits. Here is a breakdown of the difference between these two types of trees. Black locust trees are native to the eastern United States, and they can grow up to 30 feet tall.
These trees produce fragrant white flowers in the spring, and they are known for their toughness and resistance to pests and diseases. Honey locust trees, on the other hand, are native to the central and southern United States. They can grow up to 70 feet tall, and they produce sweet-tasting pods that are eaten by animals and people alike.
What is Black Honey Locust Tree?
- Black Locust Tree is also known as False Acacia. It is a species of flowering plant in the subfamily Faboideae of the pea family Fabaceae. Black Locust is native to the southeastern United States, but it has been widely planted and introduced elsewhere. It is an invasive species in many areas outside its native range.
- The black locust is a deciduous tree that typically grows to 15–30 m (49–98 ft) tall with a trunk up to 60 cm (24 in) in diameter. Black locust blossoms are very fragrant and attract bees early in the spring before most other trees have leafed out. The flowers are white, about 2 cm across, borne in clusters of 5-20 together.
- Black locust has dark green compound leaves 20–40 cm long, with seven to nineteen oval-shaped leaflets per leaf; each leaflet is 3–8 cm long and 2–4 cm broad. The fruit is a flattened green pod 15–25 cm long and 0.7–2 cm broad which matures dark brown or black and splits open to release two winged seeds when ripe; each seed is 4–7 mm long and 2–3 mm broad.
What is a Honey Locust Tree?
Honey locust trees are native to North America and are found primarily in the eastern United States. They can grow to be quite large, reaching heights of up to 50 feet. Honey locust trees are characterized by their strong, hardwood and their large, leathery leaves. The leaves are arranged in pairs along the branches, and each leaf has a distinctive shape with serrated edges.
Honey locust trees produce small, greenish-white flowers that bloom in the springtime. These flowers are followed by black, pod-like fruits that ripen in the autumn. Honey locusts are popular shade trees and are often used as ornamental plants in gardens and parks. In addition to their attractive appearance, honey locusts are also appreciated for their hardiness and ability to tolerate poor soils.
Difference between Black and Honey Locust Trees
Black and Honey Locust trees are both parts of the pea family, which is why they share some similarities. For example, they both have pinnately compound leaves and long, flat pods. They also produce small, fragrant flowers that attract bees and other pollinators. However, there are also some important differences between these two trees. Black Locust trees are native to North America, while Honey Locusts are native to Europe.
Black Locusts grow to a height of 50-70 feet, while Honey Locusts can reach a height of 100 feet or more. Black Locusts have dark bark that is smooth when young but becomes rough and scaly with age. Honey Locusts have light-colored bark that is covered in sharp thorns. When choosing a tree for your landscape, it is important to consider the differences between Black and Honey Locusts to ensure that you select the right tree for your needs.
Conclusion
Black and honey locust trees are two of the most common types of locust trees. They have some key differences, but both are valuable landscape trees. If you’re looking for a new tree to add to your yard, it’s worth taking a closer look at both of these species.
