Quick answer: Honey locust (Gleditsia triacanthos) is native to 13 states. What's commonly sold under this name is often a bred variety or the wrong species — see the lookalike alert below. It's typically seed, verified 04 Nov 2026.
Photo: Kevmin, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Where it's native
Listed in the directory as native to these states. Click a state for its full native-plant guide.
Growing conditions
From the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Native Plant Database.
| Sun | Part Shade |
|---|---|
| Water | Medium water, Moist, high drought tolerance |
| Soil | Moist, deep, well-drained soil - medium loam, clay loam, clay |
| Bloom | Bloom May-Jun |
| Height | Up to 75 ft tall |
| Wildlife value | Larval host for Silver-spotted Skipper, cover/nesting site/browse, wildlife eat sweet pod pulp |
Plant has thorns or prickles (physical hazard, not toxicity)
none noted formally; can spread quickly and become a weed problem in some pasture areas
Lookalike alert
In Stock, $22.00 — true wild-type, not thornless cultivar.
Sold as: Seed via Amazon · listing verified 04 Nov 2026
See where to buy →Quick answers about Honey locust
Where is Honey locust native?
Honey locust (Gleditsia triacanthos) is native to 13 states across the Northeast, Midwest and South. Check your state's page in this directory for the full list of plants native where you live.
When does Honey locust bloom?
Honey locust blooms May-Jun. Exact timing shifts a few weeks with latitude and elevation.
What growing conditions does Honey locust need?
Light: Part Shade. Water: Medium water, Moist, high drought tolerance. Soil: Moist, deep, well-drained soil - medium loam, clay loam, clay. Mature height: Up to 75 ft tall.
Is Honey locust good for pollinators and wildlife?
Yes. Wildlife value: Larval host for Silver-spotted Skipper, cover/nesting site/browse, wildlife eat sweet pod pulp.
Is Honey locust deer-resistant or drought-tolerant?
Honey locust is drought-tolerant and tolerates shade.
Is Honey locust toxic?
Plant has thorns or prickles (physical hazard, not toxicity).
Where can I buy real Honey locust seed or plants?
We found a listing sold as seed that names the true species, last checked 04 Nov 2026. Be aware that some sellers offer bred varieties under this name.
Similar native plants
Native plants that share growing conditions or range with Honey locust.
- Shortleaf pine Pinus echinata
- Blackjack oak Quercus marilandica
- Sassafras Sassafras albidum
- Loblolly pine Pinus taeda
- American holly Ilex opaca
- Common hoptree Ptelea trifoliata
Also listed under
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