16 Locust Trees for Your Garden and Yard Landscaping

Locust trees make excellent choices for any landscape due to their fast growth, easy maintenance, and stunning spring blooms. Whether you’re looking to add some height and shade to your yard or need a flowering tree that attracts pollinators, locusts may be just what you’re searching for.

In this guide, we’ll cover the top locust tree varieties that thrive in most gardens, and we’ll discuss their growth rate, mature size, appearance, and care requirements so you can determine which locust tree best suits your needs and space. Whether you want a small ornamental tree or a large canopy tree for your entire yard, one of these versatile locust trees will likely provide the style, function, and low maintenance you desire in a landscape addition!

Locust Tree Choices for Attractive Yet Durable Landscaping

1. Black Locust

The black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia) is a fast-growing flowering tree native to North America. The tree produces clusters of white, fragrant pea-like blossoms in spring followed by seed pods that provide food for wildlife. Black locust trees can grow up to 40 feet tall and spread nearly as wide, thriving in many growing conditions. The tree has interesting gray bark that becomes deeply ridged and furrowed with age.

Though beautiful, black locust trees can spread aggressively via suckers, so they are best used as a landscape screen or windbreak away from other plantings. If pruning the black locust, wear protective gear as the branches have sharp thorns. The newly exposed wood can also cause an allergic skin reaction in sensitive individuals. These traits make proper location and maintenance essential for the black locust tree.

The hardwood of black locust trees makes them suitable for durable applications like fencing, flooring, and outdoor furniture. The trees have also been used historically for poles and railroad ties due to their natural resistance to rot. This hardiness and durability, when properly managed, can provide benefits to both wildlife and humans alike from the black locust tree.

2. Honey Locust

The honey locust (Gleditsia triacanthos) is a North American tree known for its thornless cultivars. Honey locust trees have a graceful, open habit with delicate leaflets. They grow rapidly to 40 to 60 feet tall with an equal spread. Honey locust leaves turn yellow in the fall. The tree produces clusters of cream-colored flowers in spring followed by long pods containing edible seeds.

Thornless honey locust cultivars like ‘Shademaster’ make excellent street and landscape trees due to their tolerance for urban conditions. They adapt well to hot, dry sites with alkaline and clay soils. Prune honey locust trees in late winter to maintain shape and size. Minor pruning cuts can be done anytime as needed. Large wounds should be painted with tree sealant to prevent decay.

The wood of honey locust trees is prized for resistance to decay and termite damage. It has been used historically for fence posts, railroad ties, and mine timbers. The wood is also suitable as firewood, providing fast, hot burns.

The pods and seeds of honey locust trees can be raked up as they fall in autumn or left to provide food for birds through winter. The seeds are edible for humans but require soaking and removal of the bitter coating before eating.

3. Common Locust

The common locust (Robinia pseudoacacia ‘Frisia’) is a fast-growing, upright flowering tree with a narrow, columnar form. It can reach 40 to 60 feet tall with a narrow 15-foot spread, making it ideal for tight spaces. The common locust tree produces showy white pea-like flowers in spring followed by seed pods in summer.

It has pinnately compound leaves that turn yellow in the fall. The exfoliating bark adds beauty and texture year-round. Due to its invasive tendencies, this tree should not be confused with honey locust. The common locust tree thrives in most soil types except those staying overly wet. It grows well in urban environments and tolerates drought and air pollution.

Prune only to maintain shape while young as excessive pruning can encourage overly vigorous regrowth and sprouting. The hard durable wood of common locust is resistant to decay. It has been used for fence posts, furniture, and interior trim. The tree also provides habitat and food for birds and wildlife through its seeds, pods, and insect population.

Plant the common locust tree in full sun for optimum flowering and growth. Space at least 20 to 30 feet apart to allow for maturity. Supplemental watering during establishment and drier periods will help ensure survival.

4. Shining Locust

The shining locust (Gleditsia triacanthos ‘Shademaster’) is a thornless cultivar of honey locust valued for its tolerance to urban conditions. It grows 50 to 60 feet tall at a moderate rate, forming a dense, vase-shaped crown. The lustrous leaves have 15 to 25 leaflets that turn golden yellow in the fall.

Shining locust produces clusters of fragrant, creamy white flowers in spring followed by flat pods in summer that provide food for wildlife. The trunk has few or no spines, making it suitable for landscape use. These tough trees thrive in full sun and withstand hot, dry conditions along with shade, wind, and pollution. Shining locust is resistant to locust borer and leaf miners while providing nesting sites for songbirds.

Prune shining locust trees in late winter while dormant to maintain shape and control size. Due to its rapid growth rate, pruning should be done regularly to develop a strong structure. Bag leaf drop in fall to prevent pods and seeds from spreading and germinating in planting beds.

Plant shining locust trees in amended soil with organic matter to help moisture retention. Space at least 30 to 40 feet apart to allow room for full canopy development. Water deeply during dry periods when young to establish a strong root system. Fertilize annually in spring with a slow-release complete fertilizer.

5. National Locust

The national locust (Gleditsia triacanthos ‘Skycole’) is a thornless cultivar of honey locust prized for its attractive foliage. The national locust tree grows at a moderate rate to 60 feet tall with a broad spreading crown. It produces creamy white flower clusters in spring followed by flattened seed pods in summer that provide food for wildlife.

The pinnately compound leaves are finely textured and turn yellow in the fall. This tough locust tree tolerates harsh conditions including heat, drought, and pollution. Due to its lack of thorns and soft foliage, the national locust makes an excellent choice for landscape use.

It provides shade, fall color, and winter interest while requiring little care once established. National locust trees thrive in full sun and most well-drained soil types except those staying constantly wet. Prune to maintain shape and size in late winter while dormant. Bag leaf drop in fall to prevent seed pods and seeds from spreading.

Water deeply during dry periods when young to establish a strong root system, and fertilize annually in spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer. Space national locust trees at least 40 feet apart to allow for full canopy development at maturity. Plant at the same level as or slightly higher than they were grown in the nursery to prevent root problems.

6. Japanese Locust

The Japanese locust (Robinia pseudoacacia “Purple Robe”) is an ornamental tree grown for its striking purple foliage. It grows 30 to 40 feet tall at a moderate rate, forming an oval crown. The Japanese locust produces fragrant, pinkish-white flowers in spring followed by flat seed pods.

The palmately lobed leaves emerge deep burgundy in spring, maturing to dark purple before turning gold to purple in fall. Cultivars like ‘Besuchet Purple Leaf’ keep a more consistent purple color throughout the growing season.

Japanese locust trees thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, requiring little other care. Prune only to maintain shape while young as excessive pruning can promote vigorous growth. These ornamental trees add dramatic color to borders and benefit from staking when planted to help establish a sturdy structure. They tolerate most soil types except those staying constantly wet.

Plant Japanese locust trees in spring once the danger of frost has passed. Space at least 20 to 30 feet apart to allow for mature size. Supplemental watering may be needed during establishment and drier periods to ensure root systems develop properly.

Apply a thin layer of organic mulch around the base to conserve moisture and suppress weeds. Fertilize annually in early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer to boost health and vigor.

7. Grey Locust

The grey locust (Gleditsia triacanthos ‘Skycole’) is a cultivar of honey locust prized for its grey-green foliage. It grows at a moderate rate to 60 feet tall with an upright, narrow habit when young, spreading with age to form a broad rounded crown.

The grey locust produces creamy white flower clusters in spring followed by flattened seed pods in summer that provide food for wildlife. The leaves are pinnately compound with 15 to 25 oblong leaflets that emerge grayish-green.

Grey locust trees develop soft, gray-brown bark with age that adds winter interest. These tough trees thrive in full sun and withstand heat, drought, and pollution once established. Due to a lack of thorns and soft foliage, gray locusts make excellent choices for landscape use.

They provide shade, fall color turning yellow and orange, and nesting sites while requiring minimal care. Prune in late winter while dormant to maintain shape and size. Foliar insect and disease problems are generally minor.

Plant grey locust trees in spring after the danger of hard frost has passed. Space at least 30 to 40 feet apart to allow for mature size. Apply mulch and water deeply during drought periods when young to establish a vigorous root system. Fertilize annually in spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer.

8. Sycamore Locust

The sycamore locust (Gleditsia triacanthos ‘Skycole’) is a cultivar of honey locust prized for its large, maple-like leaves. It grows 40 to 60 feet tall at a moderate rate, forming a rounded crown of branching stems. The sycamore locust produces creamy white flower clusters in spring followed by flattened seed pods in summer that provide food for wildlife.

The palmately lobed leaves are deep green and reach eight to 12 inches in width, resembling those of true sycamore trees. These leaves turn gold to bronze in fall. Sycamore locust trees thrive in full sun but also tolerate partial shade. They grow best in well-drained, moist soil rich in organic matter. Due to its sizable dimensions, sycamore locust works well as a street tree or landscape specimen with room to spread.

Prune sycamore locust trees in spring after the threat of hard frost to maintain their form. Maintain a mulched area around the base to conserve moisture in the root zone. Water deeply during drought periods and fertilize annually in spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer.

Space sycamore locust trees at least 40 feet apart to allow for full development of their large root systems and canopies. Stake when planting to establish a strong trunk. Monitor for insect and disease issues, but foliage problems are typically minor.

The gray-brown bark and branching structure add winter interest. Fall foliage and seed pods provide food for wildlife. The wood has historically been used for furniture, fence posts, and similar applications due to its hardness and resistance to decay.

9. Weeping Locust

The weeping locust (Gleditsia triacanthos ‘Sunburst’) is an ornamental cultivar of honey locust valued for its cascading habit. It grows 30 to 40 feet tall at a moderate rate, developing pendulous branching stems that give it a weeping form. The weeping locust produces creamy white flower clusters in spring followed by flattened seed pods in summer that provide food for wildlife.

The weeping branches give rise to feathery, pinnately compound leaves that turn yellow to orange in fall. Weeping locust trees thrive in full sun but also tolerate partial shade. They grow best in well-drained, moist soil rich in organic matter.

The arching habit of this ornamental tree makes it perfect for framing views, patios, and pathways. Prune only to maintain shape while young as excessive pruning can encourage upright growth. Weeping locust trees are slightly more disease resistant than upright varieties.

Plant weeping locust trees in spring after the threat of frost. Space 15 to 20 feet apart to allow branches room to cascade. Stake when planting to establish a strong structure. Apply a layer of organic mulch and water deeply during drought periods to ensure vigorous root development.

Fertilize annually in spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer. Monitor for foliage problems, but issues are typically minor. The weeping form, fall colors, and seed pods provide benefits for both the wildlife and landscape.

10. Fastigiate Locust

The fastigiate locust (Gleditsia triacanthos ‘Skycole’) is an upright, columnar cultivar of honey locust. It grows 40 to 50 feet tall at a moderate rate, forming a narrow vase shape. The fastigiate locust produces small, creamy white flower clusters in spring followed by long, flattened seed pods in summer that provide food for wildlife.

The leaves are pinnately compound with 15 to 25 oblong leaflets. These leaves emerge green, then turn golden yellow in fall. Fastigiate locust trees thrive in full sun and withstand drought, heat, and pollution once established. Due to its narrow form, the fastigiate honey locust makes an ideal choice for tight spaces and screening.

Pruning is not required other than to maintain a consistent pillar shape while young as excessive pruning can encourage undesirable growth. This honey locust cultivar is resistant to common pests like locust borer and diseases like powdery mildew.

Space-fastigiate locust trees 30 to 40 feet apart to accommodate their mature height. Plant in spring after the threat of frost has gone and apply mulch to conserve moisture. Water deeply during drought periods, especially when young, to establish roots.

Stake when planting to help develop a strong trunk. Over time, the grayish bark develops furrows that add winter visual interest. Fall foliage provides shade and turning yellow leaves. Seed pods benefit wildlife.

11. Thornless Locust

The thornless honey locust (Gleditsia triacanthos inermis) is a cultivar of honey locust valued for its thorn-free branches. It grows rapidly to 40 to 60 feet tall at a fast growth rate, producing an open, airy crown. The thornless locust produces creamy white flower clusters in spring followed by flattened seed pods in summer that provide food for wildlife.

The pinnately compound leaves are fragrant and turn yellow to orange in the fall. Thornless honey locust trees thrive in full sun and hard pruning once established. They withstand drought, heat, and pollution. Due to the lack of thorns, these trees require little protection and make excellent choices for landscape use, providing shade while attracting birds and pollinators. Grow thornless locusts in well-drained soil for best results.

Prune thornless honey locusts in late winter while dormant to maintain shape and control size. Space at least 30 to 40 feet apart to allow for mature size. Plant in spring after danger of frost and protect young trees from animals with tree guards. Mulch annually and water deeply during drought periods to establish vigorous root systems.

With age, thornless locust trees develop an interesting bark with deep furrows that adds winter interest. Fall leaf color ranges from yellow to red and seed pods provide food for wildlife through winter. The wood is hard and resistant to decay, making it suitable for outdoor applications.

12. Kentucky Coffee Tree

The Kentucky coffee tree (Gleditsia triacanthos) is a large native locust tree related to honey locust. It grows 50 to 70 feet tall at a moderate rate, forming an oval-rounded crown of stout branching stems. The Kentucky coffee tree produces cream-colored flower clusters in spring followed by long, twisted seed pods.

The pinnately compound leaves are fragrant and turn beautiful shades of gold and red in fall. Kentucky coffee trees thrive in full sun but also tolerate partial shade. They grow best in well-drained, rich soil with regular watering during drought.

Unlike most locusts, Kentucky coffee trees have very few or no spines. Provide ample space for this large tree, which offers shade, fall color, and potential food sources for wildlife from its edible seeds and long seed pods.

Seed pods and beans of the Kentucky coffee tree were historically roasted and brewed as a coffee substitute, hence the common name. Today, the seeds and pods largely provide food for birds and wildlife. The wood is hard and resistant to decay, making it suitable for outdoor applications like fence posts. The size, shape, and branching structure also add visual interest to the landscape.

Prune Kentucky coffee trees in late winter while dormant to maintain shape and control size. Space 50 to 60 feet apart to allow spreading branches room to develop. Plant in spring after the threat of frost and protect young trees from curious animal. Supply regular water during dry periods to establish a deep root system.

13. Chinese Locust (Robinia pseudoacacia ‘Frisia’) 

Chinese locust is a cultivar of black locust selected for its narrow, columnar shape, slow growth rate, and bright yellow fall foliage color. Chinese locust reaches mature heights between 25 to 30 feet, forming a narrow canopy of upright branches.  

This locust tree variety will leaf out in spring, producing showy clusters of pink pea-like flowers. The leaves of Chinese locust are pinnately compound with oblong leaflets. After flowering, the tree produces flattened seed pods.

Chinese locust prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Once established, it requires minimal summer watering. This locust tree cultivar is hardy and will survive in the United States Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones three through nine.  

Unlike other black locust varieties that grow rapidly, the Chinese locust gains height and width slowly over time. This makes it a good choice for smaller landscapes where a tall, fast-growing tree would become too large. Chinese locust puts on a vivid yellow and orange fall foliage display before dropping its leaves for winter.

The upright, narrow growth habit of Chinese locust makes it a desirable choice for use as a screen tree or accent in the landscape. Its yellow fall color and adaptability to difficult conditions also add to its ornamental appeal. With proper pruning and care, Chinese locust can become a showpiece tree for small yards and gardens.

14. Golden Locust (Gleditsia triacanthos ‘Sunburst’)

Golden locust is an ornamental variety of honey locust prized for its vivid golden-yellow fall foliage color. In spring, the tree produces inconspicuous greenish-yellow flowers. This is followed by the development of unique brown seed pods.   

Golden locust grows into small to medium deciduous trees, reaching heights between 30 to 40 feet. The tree develops a rounded crown of arching branches with a spread that is about equal to its height.     

The leaves of golden locust are pinnately compound with long, oval leaflets. This locust tree cultivar thrives in poor, dry soils where other trees struggle. It requires minimal care once established and only needs occasional watering during dry spells in summer.       

Golden locust provides vibrant golden-yellow leaf color starting in late summer and continuing into early fall. The fall foliage display makes this an ideal choice as an ornamental tree for adding bright color to landscapes during the autumn season.    

Golden locust is adapted to many soil types and pH levels. It is resistant to most pests and diseases that plague other trees. With proper pruning and minimal care, golden locust can become a low-maintenance, high-impact focal tree for smaller yards and gardens.

15. Skyline Locust

Skyline locust is a cultivar of honey locust characterized by its narrow, upright growth habit. This trait makes it a good choice for tight spaces where a wider spreading tree would not fit. Skyline locust grows at a slow to medium rate, reaching mature heights between 50 to 70 feet. The canopy of the tree is narrow and oval in shape due to the upward growth of its branches.  

In spring, the tree produces inconspicuous yellow-green flowers. This is followed by the development of flattened seed pods. The compound leaves of skyline locusts have oblong leaflets.   

This locust tree tolerates adverse conditions that prevent the growth of many other tree species. It is well-suited to urban landscapes due to its ability to thrive in compacted soils, polluted air, and periods of drought. Skyline locust also adapts well to a variety of soil pH levels.

16. Imperial Locust

Imperial locust is a thornless cultivar of honey locust selected for its tolerance of inhospitable conditions. This locust tree grows rapidly into a tall, upright shape reaching heights between 60 to 80 feet. The canopy of imperial locust is narrow to medium-wide.  

In spring, imperial locust produces dangling clusters of small, yellow-green flowers. The compound leaves have oval leaflets and turn a spectacular shade of yellow in the fall before dropping.   

While imperial locust favors full sun and well-draining soils, it can also adapt to compacted, dry soils once established. This locust tree tolerates urban pollution, making it suitable for planting along streets and in paved areas.  

As a fast-growing locust variety, the imperial locust requires regular pruning to develop a strong structure and control its invasive tendencies. Annual pruning when young will encourage a well-shaped tree form with uniform branching.       

The pollution tolerance, rapid growth, and ability to thrive in adverse conditions of imperial locust make it well-suited for difficult landscapes where other tree selections would struggle. Its narrow canopy provides a vertical, columnar element that serves as an ornamental accent when properly maintained and pruned during the early years.

Conclusion

By selecting the right variety for your particular needs, locust trees can bring structural beauty, shade, and seasonal color to your yard for many years, and with proper care and pruning, these trees will continue adding value to your landscape for generations to come.

• Golden locust is an ornamental variety of honey locust prized for its vivid golden-yellow fall foliage color.

• Chinese locust is a cultivar of black locust selected for its narrow, columnar shape, slow growth rate, and bright yellow fall foliage color.

• The sycamore locust (Gleditsia triacanthos ‘Skycole’) is a cultivar of honey locust prized for its large, maple-like leaves.

• The common locust (Robinia pseudoacacia ‘Frisia’) is a fast-growing, upright flowering tree with a narrow, columnar form.

Hopefully, this summary illustrates the balance of functional benefits and aesthetic qualities that locust trees can bring to your garden. Whether you need fast-growing shade, sturdy timber, or ornamental interest, there is likely a locust variety that will suit your specific landscape goals!