2 Common Locust Trees In Kansas (Photos & Details)
Discovering and identifying different tree species can be a fascinating and enlightening adventure, allowing us to gain a better understanding of the diverse plant life that surrounds us. Among the often-overlooked tree varieties, the locust tree stands out as a fantastic addition to your collection of decorative trees.
These trees are most likely familiar to Kansas residents. To keep things simple, we will concentrate on the two most common locust trees in Kansas: the black locust and the honey locust.
Let’s begin.
1. Honey Locust
- Scientific Name: Gleditsia triacanthos
- Common Name(s): Honey Locust
- Mature Height: 40-80 feet (12-24 meters)
- Native Region: North America
- Flowers: Small, greenish-yellow clusters
- Fruit: Flat, brown pods with edible pulp
- Uses: Used as ornamental trees for their attractive foliage, provide shade, and erosion control, and their pods can be used as animal feed or fermented into alcohol.
The Honey Locust (Gleditsia triacanthos) is a North American deciduous tree. It can grow to be a medium to large-sized tree with a mature height of 40-80 feet. The tree has a characteristic branching pattern with thorns on young branches, but there are other thornless types available. The leaves are pinnately complex, with many tiny leaflets. In the fall, they turn yellow, bringing a lovely splash of color to the environment.
The Honey Locust, which is native to North America, is well adapted to the many climatic conditions present in Kansas. It may grow in a variety of soil conditions, including clay, alkaline, and sandy soils. As a result, it is an ideal choice for a variety of landscapes, including urban situations. Because of its versatility and endurance, the tree is a popular choice for parks, roadways, and residential yards.
The Honey Locust blooms in clusters of little greenish-yellow flowers in the spring. While not extremely striking, they provide a delicate touch to the aspect of the tree. The tree yields flat, brown pods with delicious pulp in the fall. These pods can be utilized as animal feed or fermented into wine, in addition to providing food for birds and wildlife. It should be noted, however, that thornless variants do not produce edible pods.
Once established, the Honey Locust requires little care. It is drought-tolerant, making it suited for Kansas’ frequently dry climate. Regular watering is essential during the establishment phase, but once established, the tree can withstand periods of dryness. Pruning is normally unnecessary, however, shaping can be done on occasion if desired.
The Honey Locust has various utilitarian functions in addition to its visual appeal. Because of its large, spreading canopy, it is a popular choice for parks and yards. The extensive root structure of the tree also aids in erosion control, making it an excellent choice for stabilizing slopes and avoiding soil erosion. Its pods can be harvested and used to make animal feed or alcoholic beverages.
2. Black Locust
- Scientific Name: Robinia pseudoacacia
- Common Name(s): Black Locust
- Mature Height: 30-80 feet (9-24 meters)
- Native Region: Eastern United States
- Flowers: White, pea-like flowers in drooping clusters
- Fruit: Flat, brown pods containing small seeds
- Uses: Timber, erosion control, beekeeping, medicinal purposes
The Eastern Black Locust (Robinia pseudoacacia) is a deciduous tree. It grows to a mature height of 30-80 feet and is a medium to large-sized tree. The tree grows upright and has a small, oval-shaped crown. The bark is dark gray and highly wrinkled, which adds to its aesthetic appeal.
The colorful, aromatic blossoms of the Black Locust are one of its distinguishing characteristics. The tree produces drooping clusters of white, pea-like flowers from late spring to early summer. These flowers not only enhance the attractiveness of the landscape but also attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies. Following the flowers are flat, brown pods containing tiny seeds. The pods remain on the tree into winter, adding aesthetic intrigue.
The black locust tree is a resilient and adaptable tree that can grow in a variety of soil types, including poor or sandy soils. It is well-known for its ability to fix nitrogen in soil, which improves soil quality. As a result, it is a good option for erosion management in Kansas settings. The tree’s vast root system serves to maintain the soil and prevent erosion on slopes.
Black Locust wood is highly appreciated for its durability and strength, in addition to its usefulness in landscaping and erosion prevention. It is often used in outdoor construction, including as fence posts, decking, and furniture. The wood is also resistant to rot and decay, making it ideal for outdoor use.
Black Locust trees in Kansas have both cultural and medicinal values. Bees collect nectar from the blossoms, and beekeepers frequently utilize Black Locust honey, which has a particular flavor. The tree has a long history of traditional medical use, with different portions of the plant employed for its therapeutic effects.
Locust Trees In Kansas – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
In this section, I will be answering some of the most commonly asked questions about locust trees in Kansas.
Are there any locust trees in Kansas?
Yes, there are locust trees in Kansas. The genus Robinia contains locust trees, one of which is the black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia). These trees are indigenous to the eastern and central United States, including parts of Kansas. The hardiness, fragrant flowers, and thorny branches of black locust trees are well known. They are frequently planted for erosion control and as ornamental trees, but they can also grow wild in open areas and along Kansas roadsides.
What are the common uses of locust trees in Kansas?
Locust trees in Kansas, particularly black locust trees, have various common uses. One of the most common applications is for erosion control, as their extensive root system aids in soil stabilization and erosion prevention. Because locust wood is extremely durable and resistant to decay and pests, it is widely used for fence posts, railroad ties, and outdoor furniture. The wood is also high in energy content, making it suitable for use as firewood.
Locust trees provide wildlife with shade and shelter and can be used as windbreaks or ornamental trees in gardens. Furthermore, their fragrant flowers attract pollinators, which is beneficial to beekeepers and local honey production.
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Sources
The Regional Gardening team makes sure that the information in our articles is accurate by only using sources that are known to be trustworthy. Some of these sources are peer-reviewed journals from government agencies, well-known universities, and scientific research organizations.
- Recommended Plants & Trees For Kansas, Kansas State University
- Native Tree Identification, Kansas Native Plant Society
- Discover Kansas Forests, Kansas Forest Service
- Preferred Trees for Southwest Kansas, Kansas State University
