tree RHS AwardN. America Native

Sunburst Honeylocust

Gleditsia triacanthos 'Suncole'

Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

420 inches

Width

360 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Low to moderate

Humidity

Adaptable

Lifespan

Medium (60-100 years)

Native To

Central and Eastern North America

Toxicity

Pods are mildly toxic if ingested in large quantities

The Story

Plant Bio

Gleditsia triacanthos is a fast-growing, deciduous tree native to North America, prized for its adaptability to urban conditions and fine-textured, fern-like foliage. The 'Suncole' or Sunburst® cultivar is distinguished by its brilliant, golden-yellow new foliage in spring, which matures to lime-green in summer before turning yellow again in fall. It is thornless and nearly fruitless.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

Its primary ornamental feature is the brilliant yellow new growth that provides a striking contrast against older green foliage. The fine-textured, compound leaves create a delicate, dappled shade, and its architectural form is attractive even in winter.

This tree is highly tolerant of urban pollution, salt, and a wide range of soil conditions, making it an excellent choice for street plantings and difficult city sites. Its deep root system is less likely to damage sidewalks.

While this cultivar is nearly sterile, the species provides nectar for pollinators. The open canopy allows sunlight to reach turfgrass and other plants below, enabling a more diverse underplanting than denser shade trees.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

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Planting

How to Grow

Plant in a location receiving at least six hours of direct sun daily.
Dig a hole two to three times wider than the root ball.
Ensure the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil.
Backfill with the original soil, breaking up any large clumps.
Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil around the roots.
Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch, keeping it away from the trunk.

Pro Tip

Avoid excessive nitrogen fertilizer, which can force weak, leggy growth susceptible to damage.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water deeply during prolonged dry spells, especially when young.
Prune in dormancy to establish a strong framework.
Monitor for pests like plant bugs and mites in late spring.
Allow soil to dry out between waterings once established.

Don't

Do not plant in poorly drained or consistently wet soils.
Avoid piling mulch against the trunk, which can cause rot.
Don't over-fertilize; this tree thrives in average soil.
Avoid major pruning in spring or summer when sap flow is high.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Luminous specimen lawn treeDappled shade provider for patiosTough and reliable street tree

Companion Plants

Hosta sieboldiana 'Elegans' Heuchera 'Citronelle' Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Hameln' Rudbeckia fulgida 'Goldsturm' Hydrangea paniculata 'Limelight'

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Sunburst Honeylocust questions

What zones can Sunburst Honeylocust grow in?

Sunburst Honeylocust is hardy in USDA Zones 4–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Sunburst Honeylocust deer resistant?

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

When does Sunburst Honeylocust bloom?

Sunburst 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 Sunburst Honeylocust need full sun?

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

Is Sunburst Honeylocust drought tolerant?

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