The honey locust or thorny locust tree is native to North America and in earlier times was an important food source for some indigenous peoples.

The flat bean pods that this tree produces contain a very sweet pulp and the seeds can be used to make flour.

This tree is extremely hardy and will survive droughts, poor soils and even the cold winters of the far north. The wood derived from them is also of good quality and high durability.

It has a mixed history however, as it’s invasive in Australia and has caused significant problems there as they will take over and choke river and creek beds and the open spaces near them.

Its home is North America where it should stay as it’s a good example of why a species works well in one location but not another. Despite problems associated with this tree, it does put on a very pretty autumn show.

Happy Thursday.