Japanese Locust Tree
The Japanese locust (Gleditsia japonica), also known as the Japanese honey locust, is a thorny tree native to Asia. It makes for a great canopy tree despite its many sharp thorns. Does this Spark an idea?
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Identification
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The Japanese locust is an upright deciduous tree that grows up to 60 feet tall and 40 feet wide. It is drought and pollution tolerant. These trees produce seed pods that grow up to eight inches long. Japanese locusts grows best in USDA hardiness zone 3. Thorns up to 10 inches long grow along the branches, making the tree deer and squirrel resistant.
Care
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Japanese locust trees require full sun and moist, sandy soil. Once mature, the tree is very hardy. When young, however, Japanese locusts are tender and must be protected from the cold.
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Uses
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Japanese locust trees produce strong wood that is commonly used in carpentry and construction. Its heartwood is lovely pink wood. Seeds from the pods and young leaves are edible when boiled. This tree is also used for medicinal purposes in some parts of Asia.
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