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Thornless Common: Honeylocust

Gleditsia triacanthos

Compiled by · Reviewed against the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List, CSU Extension & Plant Select® · Updated 2026-07-03

Thornless Common: Honeylocust (Gleditsia triacanthos) is a tree suited to the Colorado Front Range, rated "Recommended for Most Sites" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List. It matures to about 30–40 ft tall and 30–40 ft wide, fast-growing, needs low to medium water, and prefers full sun. Wrap young trees; overplanted variety.

Site fitRecommended for Most Sites
low to medium water30–40 ft tall and 30–40 ft wideXeric / water-wiseDeer-resistant
Online from $5.25 at 3 retailers

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At a glance

Rating
Recommended for Most Sites
Botanical name
Gleditsia triacanthos
Variety / cultivar
Thornless Common: SUNBURST®
Type
Tree
Mature size
30–40 ft tall and 30–40 ft wide
Mature form
Spreading
Spacing / clearance
~40 ft of clearance
Hardiness zones
USDA 3–9
Growth rate
Fast
Lifespan
Medium
Fall color
Yellow
Water needs
low to medium water
Sun
Best in full sun.
Colorado native
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Soil
clay, loam, sandy
Soil pH
6.0–8.2
Hail tolerance
high
Wind tolerance
high
Salt tolerance
high
Firewise (defensible space)
Zones 2–3 (keep it back from the house)
Pollinator value
high
Tolerates
Hot south- or west-facing walls

Site factors to consider

Wildlife & ecology

Pollinator value
high
Deer
Generally deer-resistant

Common problems on the Front Range

These are general tendencies for this group of plants on the Front Range, not a diagnosis. Many are stress-driven and preventable with good siting and watering. For a specific plant or an active problem, consult a certified arborist or your local CSU Extension office.

Planting & establishment

Water deeply every 7–10 days through the first 2 summers. Winter water 1–2×/month October–March when soil is dry and unfrozen, winter desiccation is a top killer of newly-planted trees. Year 3: taper to 2×/month in summer, then rely on natural precipitation.

Frequently asked questions

Is Thornless Common: Honeylocust good for the Colorado Front Range?
Yes, Thornless Common: Honeylocust is a well-suited tree for Colorado's Front Range, rated "Recommended for Most Sites" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List.
How big does Thornless Common: Honeylocust get?
It matures to about 30–40 ft tall and 30–40 ft wide.
How much room does Thornless Common: Honeylocust need?
Give Thornless Common: Honeylocust about 40 ft of clearance from buildings, fences, and other trees so the mature canopy isn't crowded.
What shape does Thornless Common: Honeylocust grow into?
Thornless Common: Honeylocust typically grows into a wide, spreading habit, broader than it is tall, give it room and keep it back from buildings. This is the species' usual mature form, named cultivars (columnar, weeping, or compact selections) can differ, so check the specific cultivar.
Is Thornless Common: Honeylocust hardy on the Front Range?
Thornless Common: Honeylocust is hardy in USDA 3–9. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b–6a, so it is well within range. That said, it carries a cold-hardiness caution: The average low suits it fine; our real cold risk is the swings, late frosts, and intense winter sun, so wrap young trunks and give it shelter.
How much water does Thornless Common: Honeylocust need?
It needs low to medium water once established.
How fast does Thornless Common: Honeylocust grow?
Thornless Common: Honeylocust is a fast-growing tree. Growth rate depends on water and site conditions on the Front Range.
How long does Thornless Common: Honeylocust live?
Thornless Common: Honeylocust has a moderate lifespan for a Front Range tree. Actual lifespan varies with site, water, and care.
What color does Thornless Common: Honeylocust turn in fall?
Thornless Common: Honeylocust turns yellow in autumn. Fall color intensity varies with the season and site on the Front Range.
Is Thornless Common: Honeylocust native to Colorado?
No. It is not a Colorado native, but it grows well on the Front Range.
Is Thornless Common: Honeylocust deer-resistant?
Thornless Common: Honeylocust is generally considered deer-resistant, though no plant is deer-proof when browse pressure is high.
Is Thornless Common: Honeylocust a good firewise plant near the house?
Thornless Common: Honeylocust is suitable in defensible-space zones 2–3, best kept back from the house rather than in the area right against the structure. This is general suitability guidance based on CSU Extension firewise plant lists, not a guarantee that any plant won't burn, a well-irrigated, well-maintained plant is the goal. Follow CSU Extension defensible-space guidance and check with your local fire district before planting in the wildland-urban interface.
Is Thornless Common: Honeylocust prone to pests or disease on the Front Range?
Thornless Common: Honeylocust can be affected by honeylocust plant bug and pod gall midge and other issues common to this group on the Front Range. These are general tendencies, not a diagnosis, many are stress-driven and preventable with good siting and watering. For a specific plant or an active problem, consult a certified arborist or CSU Extension.

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See also

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