How does this weed affect you?

Honey locust:
• outcompetes native plants
• reduces habitat for native animals
• competes with pasture plants, reducing productivity
• has long sharp spines that can injure animals and people, damage machinery and puncture tyres
• forms dense stands, particularly along waterways, preventing livestock access to water
• harbours pest animals such as foxes, cats and rabbits.

What does it look like?

Honey locust is a long-lived, spreading, deciduous tree up to 20 m tall. The spines on the trunk and stems are distinctive and may be simple or branched, which are up to 10 cm long. They have brown seed pods that can be as long as 40cm long containing up to 25 seeds. Leaves are present from spring to autumn and made up of many leaflets which may be grouped together in different arrangements.
Ornamental cultivars may have bright coloured foliage such as yellow leaves.

What type of environment does it grow in?

Honey locust trees grow best in subtropical and warm temperate climates, though they can tolerate cold temperatures. They prefer full sun and growth is slow in shaded areas. Honey Locust can grow in most soil types but grows best in alluvial flood plains along river systems. It is extremely drought tolerant.

How does it spread?

By seed
Honey locust trees start producing seeds when they are 3 to 5 years old They can produce over 10,000 seeds per year and the seeds can remain viable for up to 20 years.

By plant parts
Honey locust also reproduces by root suckers, which means that trees can spread to form dense thickets.

For more information: https://weeds.dpi.nsw.gov.au/Weeds/HoneyLocust

If you think you have seen this plant, please contact NEWA on (02) 5775 9700 or your local council.