Honey locust, sweet locust (Gleditsia triacanthos) is a tree native to the Mississippi basin of the eastern USA. The original range has been greatly extended to middle Europe, where the tree was planted for its durability and attractive look in parks and gardens. It grows up to 20 -25 meters, and although its age mostly stays below 100 years, its diameter can reach up to 80 - 90 cms. Very long and sharp thorns (up to 30 cms) growing on the trees stem and branches are characteristic for sweet locust trees, as the long bean pods are, that remain on the tree until spring time, looking like twisted brown leather ribbons.
The tree produces a beautiful grained wood ranging from pink to salmon red, even dark red brown colours occur, the sapwood beeing creamy white. Honey locust wood is very hard, extremely durable and a real attractive domestic wood!