Audubon® Native Honeylocust Treeling

Landscape for the birds, and you! Honeylocust is an optimal street tree that can be found in many cities lining streets, located in public spaces, and even in other people's landscapes. However, Honeylocust isn't just a pretty face, they are native to Eastern and parts of Western US which make these trees great choices for helping out the natural landscape. Native insects will make homes in the branches while local native birds will stop in to visit and snack on some of the critters that are present.

Standing 150 feet from Abraham Lincoln while he delivered the Gettysburg Address at the dedication of the Soldiers’ National Cemetery, stands a lone Honey Locust tree referred to as the “witness tree”. Quietly listening after witnessing one of the worst battles in US history right beneath its feet where thousands of American soldiers lost their lives. This 160 year old veteran has lived longer than its 100 year expectancy and still stands alongside the Gettysburg National Cemetery today. Over the years saplings and seeds from this historic tree have been sold for fundraisers spreading some 1,600 descendants of the “witness tree” throughout the eastern United States.

Full of honey-sweet nectar, the lovely Honeylocust tree is a hit amongst wildlife. Commonly found in wet, river valleys and used as a beloved city shade tree native birds and other wildlife absolutely love this tree. You'll love this tree as well when you see that the leaflets that fall in the autumn easily blow away in the wind, making fall cleanup a breeze! The only thing to look out for with Hoenylocust are the spikes that grow on the bark and can be a hinderance if not prepared to accomodate your landscape to welcome this native shade tree.