honey locust vs black locust

The black locust tree has bluish green leaves that turn to yellowish green in fall, while honey locust trees are a vivid green in the summer and become completely yellow in the fall. Seed Pods: Although both trees have seed pods that are shiny, smooth, and thin, they differ in size.

Is honey locust A good tree?

But don't be afraid of its anti-social attitude, for the honey locust is a very pretty and useful tree that is commonly planted as an ornamental. ... The honey locust is a very fast grower, and commonly reaches heights of around 70 to 100 feet.

How can you tell a honey locust?

Honey locust tree leaves

The leaves on honey locust trees appear slightly earlier than on black locust trees. One way to tell honey locusts apart from black locust trees is that the leaves have no leaflet at the tip. Also, honey locust tree leaves tend to be a lighter shade of green than the “black” variety.

Do honey bees like black locust trees?

Black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia) is widespread in North America, thanks to its invasive tendency. It's also a hardy choice for tough environments, like urban areas. Honey bees love it, as do many native pollen bees. If you don't want to plant black locust, consider another Robinia species native to your area.

What kills honey locust?

Option #2: Unearth the stump, make a fresh chainsaw cut across the stump, and apply a systemic herbicide, such as Picloram (Pathway or Tordon RTU). In essence, you are introducing herbicide to the entire root system, thereby effectively killing the stump and all future root suckers.

Is honey locust invasive?

Honey locusts are deciduous and bear compound leaves, often with numerous leaflets. ... The common honey locust, or thorny locust (Gleditsia triacanthos), of North America is a popular ornamental plant, though it is an aggressive invasive species in some areas outside its native range.

Is honey locust wood valuable?

Since sawlog quality trees are not abundant, the species is not often traded in the wholesale market, but sooner or later, every hardwood sawmill will likely produce some honey locust lumber. For the woodworker looking for something a little different and at a reasonable price, honey locust could be the ticket.

Is honey locust tree poisonous?

Honey Locust has few significant pests. Canker can sometimes be a problem, but rarely kills the tree. ... Honey locust can produce numerous thorns that are capable of puncturing implement tires. Though not listed as a toxic plant, contact with thorns often results in sore wounds that are slow to heal.

What is a locust tree good for?

In Hungary, Black Locust is the basis of commercial honey production. The high-density wood is the most rot resistant wood we can grow in our climate, making it an ideal material for fenceposts, hope poles, outdoor furniture, decks, and other projects that require weatherproof materials.

Are black locust seed pods edible?

Although the bark and leaves are toxic, various reports suggest that the seeds and the young pods of the black locust are edible. Shelled seeds are safe to harvest from summer through fall, and are edible both raw and/or boiled.

How long do black locust trees live?

Even though it grows very fast (it can reach heights of 50-100 feet), it rarely lives to be 100 years old. The Black Locust inner bark, roots, and twigs are poisonous to livestock, especially horses, and can be fatal. The seed is poisonous to humans.

Do locusts make honey?

Pleasant tasting honey, aromatic, and ranging from water white to light yellow in color, this honey comes from the black locust tree which flowers in long white racemes. ... Since Locust honey is the first honey produced in the season, the bees need to be strong and ready for the nectar flow from the black locust trees.

Which trees are among the best for bees?

8 Best Trees For Honey Bees to Help Them THRIVE!

Apple Trees.
Maple Trees.
Linden Trees.
Crabapple Trees.
Black Locust Trees.
Plum Trees.
Tulip Poplar Trees.
Oak Trees.

What chemical kills locusts?

Glyphosate, or Roundup, can also be sprayed on black locust foliage while the trees are still growing. Spray heavily, but not heavy enough that it begins to drip off the black locust tree onto other plants, as glyphosate is a non-selective herbicide. It kills everything it touches.

How do you kill locusts?

The FAO has recommended the use of a fungus called Metarhizium anisopliae, which kills locusts by growing inside their bodies. It is cheaper than other methods, more effective, longer-lasting in the deserts, easier to store and is recommended for use before the nymphs begin to fly.

How do you get rid of locusts?

How Do You Get Rid of Locusts?

Protecting valuable shrubs and garden plants with insect mesh or cloth that is not green because green colors tend to attract locusts.
Removing locusts by handpicking them off plants.

Can humans eat honey locust pods?

The pulp on the inside of the pods is edible (unlike the black locust, which is toxic) and consumed by wildlife and livestock. Despite its name, the honey locust is not a significant honey plant.

What is the lifespan of a honey locust tree?

Growth is rapid and trees live to a maximum of about 125 years. The only serious disease of honey-locust is a canker, which is occasionally fatal, but trees in landscape plantings may be damaged by a number of pests and pathogens.

How do you get rid of locust thorns?

Herbicides -- When applied to a hole drilled in the stump of a recently felled honey locust, the herbicides picloram and triclopyr will quickly and efficiently kill the tree. These herbicides can also be painted onto the bark at the base of young trees to kill them, although this is largely ineffective on older trees.

How hard is black locust?

Its Janka hardness also compares favorably with other woods. At 1700, it's better than red oak (1290), but a bit less than tropical hardwoods like jarrah (1910) and ipe (3684). It's also difficult to glue. But biologically, black locust is “remarkably decay resistant.”

How long will a locust post last?

Locust might last for 20 years in a wet location; longer if dry. Treated pine may also be graded, so that you know the design strength.

Is black locust good for firewood?

One lesser-known tree that makes great firewood is black locust. ... Not surprisingly, the same density and durability that makes black locust good for fence posts also makes it among the best firewood trees.