The December weed of the month is not as sweet as it sounds!
Honey locust (Gleditsia triacanthos) is a long-lived, deciduous tree with attractive foliage, originally introduced as cattle fodder and as a shade tree.
It is now found as an invasive weed on floodplains and creeks, often forming dense stands which become impenetrable for people and livestock and gradually displace native vegetation. These stands may also harbour pest animals such as foxes and rabbits, whilst limiting the movement of native animals.
Features of the Honey locust
Honey locust is a deciduous tree growing up to to 20m tall, with shiny brown stems on new growth becoming rough and grey with age.
Soft to touch, the Honey locust leaves are divided into 5 to 30 paired leaflets, which are oval to elongated in shape, 30mm long and 10mm wide.
The Honey locust produces dangling yellow flower clusters in early summer ( 5 – 10 cm long), which become large brown leathery seed pods, containing up to 25 seeds each.
The most prominent feature of Honey locust is its long, sharp spines. Spines are found on the trunk and most branches. They are generally long and straight (up to 10cm long) but can become branched on older trees.
Spreads easily
Honey locust seeds are viable for 20 years and disperse easily in floods. Trees can also sucker from roots or branches pushed over by floods. Livestock may also eat and spread the seeds.
On farms and older properties, check for Honey locust along waterways and pastures in riparian areas. The spread of this weed must be contained. Visit NSW WeedWise NSW WeedWise and contact the Biosecurity Officer if you find this plant.
Image credit: Port Macquarie-Hastings Council & NSW WeedWise.
