Locust trees are fast-growing trees in the Fabaceae (pea) family. These trees are strong and long-lasting. Many locust trees can live for over 100 years, and their wood is very tough compared to most other trees that lose their leaves each year.
Two of the most well-known types are the Black Locust and the Honey Locust. People like these trees because their wood is very durable, their flowers have a light, pleasant smell, and their leaves add bright color to outdoor spaces.
But these are not the only kinds of locust trees. Several other types grow in different parts of the world, each with its own unique features. In this article, we will explore some of the most common locust tree varieties and what makes each one special.
Types of Locust Trees
1. Black Locusts.
Black locust trees are one of the most common types of locust trees, and they are known for being easy to grow. They can grow quickly and do well in many different kinds of soil, even if the soil is not very rich. These trees can also handle dry conditions, which makes them a good choice for many areas.
Black locust trees are originally from North America. They can grow very tall, sometimes up to 80 feet, but most are between 40 and 60 feet. Their branches grow in an uneven pattern, which allows sunlight to pass through and creates light, scattered shade.
People often plant black locust trees because they look nice, but they are also valued for their strong wood. The wood is very hard and durable. In the past, it was even used to make nails for ships. It is also a great option for firewood because it burns for a long time.
These trees are helpful for bees, too. Their flowers produce nectar, which helps in making honey. Because of this, they are sometimes grown in areas where beekeeping is common.
If you want to grow a black locust tree, you need a space with plenty of sunlight. The tree spreads easily, so it is important to keep an eye on new shoots so it does not take over your yard. It also grows best in soil that drains well, since it does not like sitting in water.
One useful feature of this tree is that it can improve soil quality. It adds nutrients back into the soil, which can help other plants grow nearby. Overall, black locust trees are tough, useful, and easy to take care of.
2. Honey Locust
Honey locust trees are known for growing very large and fast. In the wild, they can reach up to 100 feet tall, while in cities or parks, they usually grow between 40 and 70 feet. They also spread out widely, which makes them great for providing shade in open areas like parks and streets.
One helpful feature of this tree is its very small leaves. When they fall, they are so tiny that they do not need to be cleaned up like bigger leaves. They also do not clog drains or sewer systems, which is why these trees are often planted in public spaces.
Honey locust trees can grow in many types of soil, but they do best in moist soil with some salt and balanced pH levels. They are easy to grow as long as they have plenty of sunlight and space.
The leaves are bright green and turn slightly yellow in the fall. After they drop, new leaves quickly grow again in the spring. Another noticeable feature is their thorns. These grow at the base of leaves and along branches. They start out green, then turn dark brown as they age. They are sharp and can grow up to four inches long.
The flowers of the honey locust tree are small and light in color. Male trees have flowers that hang in long clusters, while female trees have flowers that are more spread out. Both types of flowers have a strong scent.
3. Skyline Honey Locust.
The Skyline Honey Locust is a tree that originally comes from North America. It is a deciduous tree, which means it loses its leaves during part of the year. This tree has a neat, pyramid-like shape that makes it stand out.
It usually grows up to about 45 feet tall and can spread around 25 feet wide. Many people like it because it provides light, filtered shade. Its leaves are soft and feathery, almost like a fern, so sunlight can pass through and create a gentle shade underneath.
This tree grows upright and looks clean and structured, which makes it a great choice for planting along streets. It can handle different weather conditions and grows well in many environments, making it a reliable option for landscaping.
Another benefit is that it does not need much care. Pruning is best done in winter after the coldest weather has passed. It grows well in full sunlight and can adapt to both dry and moist soil.
The Skyline Honey Locust is not picky about soil type or pH levels. It can also tolerate salty conditions, which makes it useful in urban areas.
One important thing to know is that its branches and trunk may have long, sharp thorns that can grow up to three inches. In late spring, the tree produces small greenish-white or yellow flowers. These are followed by long, dark seed pods that contain seeds and a sweet, chewy substance inside.
4. Bristly Locust.
The bristly locust, also called moss locust or rose acacia, is a small flowering shrub known for its beauty. It originally grew in the southeastern United States, but today it can be found in many other regions across North America.
Long ago, Native Americans, including the Cherokee, used this plant for practical purposes. Some used it to help with toothaches, while others made a tonic from it for livestock.
This plant usually grows to about eight feet tall and spreads quickly through underground shoots called suckers. Because of this fast growth, it can become invasive in some areas like parts of Ohio, Michigan, and Washington.
Its stems are covered with bristles, and it produces bright green leaves along with soft pink flowers that smell pleasant. These flowers often attract bees, butterflies, and other insects, especially in spring and late summer. You may also notice reddish-brown seedpods growing on the plant.
Bristly locust grows best in moist, loamy soil that drains moderately well. It does not handle poor drainage as well as some other locust species. One of its most useful features is its ability to control soil erosion. Since it grows quickly and forms dense coverage, it is often planted in areas where the soil needs to be stabilized.
5. Skycole Locust.
The Skycole Locust tree is a strong and fast-growing tree that can be found in many parts of the United States. It is known for its tough wood and thick green leaves, which make it a popular choice in different environments.
This tree grows best in places with plenty of sunlight, but it is also very adaptable. It can survive in many types of soil, even poor or dry ones. You might even see it growing near streams or in wooded areas. Because it can handle drought, salt, and pollution, it is often used in places where other trees might struggle.
The Skycole Locust usually grows between 40 and 50 feet tall and can spread about 25 feet wide. It is a deciduous tree, which means it loses its leaves during certain times of the year.
Its leaves are small, green, and slightly bluish, and they grow in clusters. The tree also produces beautiful flowers that hang down in groups. These flowers are mostly white with hints of pink and purple, making the tree stand out when it blooms.
For example, this tree is a good choice for planting along roads or in city parks because it can handle pollution and still grow quickly and strongly.
6. Imperial Honey Locust.
The Imperial Honey Locust is a popular shade tree known for its light, airy look. Its leaves are soft and feathery, giving the tree a gentle and delicate appearance with a light green or slightly yellow color.
This tree is often planted in lawns because it provides nice shade without feeling too heavy or dense. It is also commonly used along streets. On average, it grows about 30 to 40 feet tall and spreads about 25 to 35 feet wide. It usually blooms in late spring to early summer, around May and June.
The Imperial Honey Locust is easy to grow and can handle different types of soil and weather conditions. However, it grows best in full sunlight with moist soil. Most people plant it for its beauty, but its wood can sometimes be used for making furniture.
7. New Mexico Locust.
Despite being called the New Mexico Locust, this tree doesn’t originate in the Mexican regions. Instead, you will primarily find them in the Southwestern parts of the United States.
The New Mexico locust may either develop into a tree or a dense shrub, depending on the soil and sunlight. Ideally, it grows up to 10 feet tall with stunning, large branches and dense batches of flowers.
8. Purple Robe Black Locust.
This tree is part of the black locust family and is known for its beauty. One of its most interesting features is how its leaves change as it grows.
When the tree is in its early blooming stage, the leaves are bright green with a slight hint of purple. As the tree matures, the leaves turn into a rich bronze color.
The flowers are also very eye-catching. They stand out nicely against the pink and purple tones of the tree, making it look even more attractive.
9. Shademaster Honey Locust
The Shademaster Honey Locust is a type of tree that grows quickly and is easy to take care of. Unlike some other locust trees, it does not have sharp thorns, which makes it safer and more convenient to plant in yards, parks, and along streets.
This tree can grow up to about 50 feet tall and does not produce messy seed pods, so there is less cleanup needed. Its leaves are green for most of the year and turn a bright yellow in the fall, adding nice seasonal color. It also produces small flowers that have a soft yellow color.
Because it is low-maintenance and grows well in many conditions, the Shademaster Honey Locust is a popular choice for providing shade in outdoor spaces.
10. African Locust Bean.
The African Locust Bean tree is a tall and beautiful tree that stands out because of how its leaves look in sunlight. When light passes through its thin leaves, it creates soft, lace-like shadows on the ground, which makes it very eye-catching.
Instead of growing flowers like many other trees, this tree produces round, fuzzy red balls. These unusual shapes hang from the branches and give the tree a unique look. It also grows long brown pods, which contain a yellow pulp inside. This pulp can be eaten and is similar to what other locust trees produce.
Even though the tree grows large, it does not create deep shade because its leaves are not very thick. Still, it is often planted in yards or gardens because it looks attractive and adds character to the space.
To grow this tree, the soil should either be slightly acidic or close to neutral. It grows best in sandy soil and takes time to reach its full size. When fully grown, it can become very tall and spread wide, making it a strong and noticeable part of any landscape.
11. Water Locust.
Water locust trees usually grow in wet places like riverbanks or areas where water collects. That is how they got their name. These trees can grow quite tall, up to about 40 meters, and they create a wide, shady area, making them great for outdoor spaces.
They grow naturally without much care and have long reddish-brown thorns. Most parts of the tree are smooth, except for the sharp tips of the thorns. The leaves are small, thin, and green, while the tree also produces reddish-brown seed pods that are shaped like almonds and have pointed ends.
One of the most interesting features of the water locust tree is its flowers. They are beautiful and give off a pleasant smell, which stands out compared to the rest of the tree. Even though the tree looks attractive, its thorns help protect it by keeping animals away from its leaves.
If you want to plant a water locust tree, it grows best in soil that stays wet or even a little boggy. It can grow in different types of soil like clay, loam, or sand, and it can handle soil that is acidic, neutral, or alkaline. However, it does not grow well in chalky soil.
12. Sunburst Honey Locust.
Sunburst Honey Locust trees are a special type of honey locust tree. Unlike many others, they do not have thorns, which makes them safer and easier to grow in yards and parks. They also do not grow as tall as some other locust trees and usually reach about 40 feet in height.
One of the nicest things about this tree is how its leaves look. The leaves are thin and soft, and when sunlight shines through them, it creates a light, shaded pattern on the ground. This gives a calm and pleasant feeling to outdoor spaces.
Another benefit is that this tree does not produce seed pods, so it creates less mess compared to other locust trees. In late spring and early summer, it grows small greenish-yellow flowers in clusters. The leaves start out a bright light green, turn pale yellow in the spring, and then become a rich yellow color in the fall.
Like many locust trees, this type can live for over 100 years. Its wood is strong and valuable, and it is often used to make furniture.