Troublesome Pasture Plant of the Week – Honey Locust

Hermitage, MO - Honey Locust (Gleditsia Triacanthos) is a member of 12 species of thorny trees and/or shrubs in the pea family called Fabaceae. They are native to North and South America, tropical Africa, and central and eastern Asia. Some species are cultivated as ornamentals, and a number are useful for timber or as animal fodder. Pasture infestations of Honey Locust are a common concern in many pastures, abandoned fields, woods, and stream banks in Missouri. This medium-sized, fairly quick growing, tree can grow to heights of 100 feet over a period of time. Even on a young, first year’s growth, sharp multi-sticker development will occur, causing concerns about tire punctures and possible foot damage in livestock. Left unchecked Honey Locust will overtake pastures limiting its production and use. This can result in a very costly fix.