Quick answer: Honey locust (Gleditsia triacanthos) is native to 9 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 15 Sep 2026.
Where it's native
Listed in the register 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 15 Sep 2026
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