Also known as Chinese Honey Locust · Chinese Honeylocust · Honey Locust
Chinese Honey-Locust (Gleditsia sinensis) is a deciduous tree native to East Asia, known for its thorny branches and edible seed pods. It is a member of the Fabaceae fami
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun
100% intensity
Thrives in full sun for best growth and flowering.
Moderate
50% intensity
Drought-tolerant once established, prefers infrequent deep watering.
Well-drained
50% intensity
Moderate to High
75% intensity
Prefers temperate to warm climates, with good heat tolerance.
Low
25% intensity
Does not require heavy feeding; benefits from light fertilization in poor soil.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
None
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a strong root system. Once established, Chinese Honey-Locust is drought-tolerant and prefers infrequent deep watering, especially in warmer climates.
Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings to prevent waterlogged roots.
Pruning is typically done in late winter or early spring to shape the tree, remove dead or crossing branches, and improve air circulation.
It tolerates heavy pruning, which can be used to encourage a more open canopy or manage size. Remove suckers from the base promptly.
Propagation is primarily done through seed, which requires scarification or stratification to break dormancy. Cuttings can also be taken, but are more challenging to root.
Grafting is sometimes used for specific cultivars.
Repotting is usually only necessary for young trees if they become root-bound in containers. Mature trees are best left undisturbed.
If repotting is required, do so in late winter or early spring before new growth begins, using well-draining potting mix.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Chinese Honey-Locust (Gleditsia sinensis)
Where Chinese Honey-Locust (Gleditsia sinensis) is found
Density
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Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Gleditsia |
| Species | Gleditsia sinensis |
Similar in genus Gleditsia
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
