How to Grow Honey Locust Elegantissima

Honey Locust Elegantissima

Gleditsia triacanthos var. inermis 'Elegantissima'

tree

Honey Locust Elegantissima is a compact, ornamental deciduous tree prized for its delicate, finely-textured foliage and graceful weeping form. This thornless cultivar produces feathery, fern-like compound leaves that create dappled shade and often display golden-yellow fall color. It is a refined selection of the native honeylocust, combining ornamental appeal with environmental tolerance.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily; tolerates partial shade

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Water: Moderate watering during establishment (first 2-3 years); drought-tolerant once established. Water during prolonged dry spells.

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Spacing: 120 inches

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Days to maturity: Not applicable for trees; reaches mature form in 15-20 years

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Planting depth: Plant at same depth as root ball; do not bury trunk

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy to sandy soil; highly adaptable

pH: 6.0-7.5

Amendments:

Compost for young trees Mulch to retain moisture in establishment period

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in zones 4-9, with best performance in zones 5-8

4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a

Growth Stages

Seedling/Young Sapling

First 2-3 years

Small tree with emerging feathery foliage; delicate appearance with minimal branching

Water regularly to establish deep roots; protect from harsh winds; apply 3-4 inches of mulch around base

Establishment

3-7 years

Tree develops its characteristic weeping/spreading form; canopy becomes fuller with fine-textured leaves

Light pruning to shape form; maintain consistent moisture; monitor for early pests

Developing Maturity

7-15 years

Tree reaches typical ornamental size (25-30 feet); foliage becomes denser and more defined

Minimal pruning needed (remove crossing or dead branches); drought-tolerant; prune in dormant season if needed

Mature

15+ years

Fully developed weeping form with dense, fine-textured canopy; golden fall color; possibly small creamy flower clusters and flat seed pods

Minimal maintenance; remove dead/diseased wood annually; no fertilizer needed on established trees

Decline

Variable, often 40+ years total lifespan

Outer canopy may thin; wood becomes more brittle; decline in vigor

Remove dead limbs to improve safety; consider removal if decay accelerates

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Serviceberry Crabapple Dogwood Redbud Shade perennials like hosta and hellebore

Avoid planting near:

Black walnut (juglone toxicity) Fruit trees that require dense shade

Common Pests

Usually not serious; spray insecticidal soap or neem oil if populations excessive; encourage natural predators
Dust with water spray; insecticidal soap; rare on established trees in good health
Prune out infected branches; avoid wounding tree; improve air circulation; sterilize tools
Improve air circulation; avoid overhead watering; rarely requires fungicide treatment

Uses

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Ornamental shade tree

Household

Elegantissima's delicate, finely-textured foliage and graceful weeping form make it an exceptional specimen tree or focal point in landscapes. It provides dappled, non-dense shade ideal for underplanting shade-tolerant perennials. [source]

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Wildlife habitat

Wildlife

The tree provides nesting sites and shelter for birds; small creamy-yellow flowers attract pollinators in spring, and the open canopy structure benefits wildlife. [source]

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Urban and accent landscaping

Household

Highly tolerant of poor soil, air pollution, and drought, making it ideal for urban environments, street plantings, and areas where other trees struggle. Its refined appearance elevates small and large landscapes. [source]

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Fall color interest

Household

Leaves turn golden-yellow in autumn, providing consistent seasonal interest and visual appeal before dropping to reveal the elegant branching structure. [source]

Harvest Tips

Not applicable; ornamental tree. Prune in late winter/early spring to remove dead wood, crossing branches, and shape as desired. Avoid heavy pruning.

Fun Facts

🌱 Unlike its parent species, Honey Locust Elegantissima is thornless (inermis), making it safe for landscapes and easier to maintain and handle.
🌱 The name 'Elegantissima' is Latin for 'most elegant,' reflecting its exceptionally refined, fern-like foliage texture compared to other Gleditsia cultivars.
🌱 Despite tolerating poor soil and drought, honeylocust was historically valued by pioneers as a natural fence tree; thorned varieties were planted to create barriers cattle could not cross.

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