Leguminosae -- Legume family

    Robert M. Blair

    Honeylocust (Gleditsia triacanthos), also called  sweet-locust or thorny-locust, is a moderately fast growing tree  commonly found on moist bottom lands or limestone soils. Because  it has proven very hardy and tolerant of drought and salinity, it  is widely planted for windbreaks and soil erosion control. The  thornless variety has been planted to replace the elm in many  urban areas. The wood is dense, hard, and durable but used only  locally. Honeylocust pods are sweet and eaten by livestock and  wildlife. The tree is relatively short lived, reaching the age of  125 years.