treeN. America Native

Northern Acclaim Honeylocust

Gleditsia triacanthos 'Harve'

Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

480 inches

Width

390 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Low to medium

Humidity

Adaptable

Lifespan

50-70 years

Native To

Central North America

Toxicity

Pods and seeds are mildly toxic if ingested

The Story

Plant Bio

Gleditsia triacanthos var. inermis, the thornless honeylocust, is a popular deciduous tree known for its fine-textured, pinnately compound leaves that create a light, dappled shade. It is extremely tough and adaptable to a wide range of urban conditions. 'Harve', sold as NORTHERN ACCLAIM, is a thornless and seedless cultivar specifically selected for its excellent cold hardiness, making it reliable in northern climates. It develops a strong, upright, vase-shaped form with attractive dark green foliage and good yellow fall color.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

Northern Acclaim Honeylocust is valued for its delicate, fern-like foliage that creates a beautiful, dappled shade, allowing sunlight to filter through to the lawn or plants below. Its vase-shaped form is elegant, and the clear yellow fall color provides a lovely seasonal finale.

This is a workhorse tree for challenging sites. Its tolerance of drought, salt, pollution, and a wide pH range makes it a top choice for street, park, and commercial plantings. The small leaflets are easy to clean up in fall, often disappearing into the lawn.

As a cultivar of a North American native tree, it can serve as a host plant for some native insects. The fragrant, though inconspicuous, flowers provide nectar for bees and other pollinators.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

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Planting

How to Grow

Choose a site in full sun with plenty of room to grow.
Honeylocust is highly adaptable to different soil types.
Dig a hole two to three times the width of the root ball.
Set the tree so its root flare is at or slightly above ground level.
Backfill with the original soil and water deeply.
Mulch the root zone, keeping mulch away from the trunk.

Pro Tip

Proper structural pruning when young is crucial to develop a strong framework and prevent weak, included bark branch unions later in life.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Plant in full sun for best growth.
Water regularly during the first few years to establish a deep root system.
Prune in winter to maintain a strong structure.
Tolerate urban pollution, salt, and a wide range of soils.

Don't

Don't plant too deeply.
Avoid planting in dense shade.
Don't allow co-dominant stems to develop; prune one off when young.
Avoid wounding the thin bark with mowers or trimmers.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Pest Check
Plant
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Excellent lawn tree providing light shadeHardy street and parking lot treeFast-growing shade tree for new landscapes

Companion Plants

Hosta Heuchera Astilbe Ferns Turfgrass (grows well underneath)

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Northern Acclaim Honeylocust questions

What zones can Northern Acclaim Honeylocust grow in?

Northern Acclaim Honeylocust is hardy in USDA Zones 4–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Northern Acclaim Honeylocust deer resistant?

Yes — Northern Acclaim Honeylocust is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Northern Acclaim Honeylocust bloom?

Northern Acclaim Honeylocust typically blooms in late spring through early summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Northern Acclaim Honeylocust need full sun?

Northern Acclaim Honeylocust does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Northern Acclaim Honeylocust drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Northern Acclaim Honeylocust handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.