Gleditsia Tri In Sunburst

Sunburst Honeylocust

Gleditsia triacanthos var. inermis ‘Sunburst’ is a fast-growing, thornless deciduous tree valued for its striking golden new growth and open, airy canopy. Fine-textured leaves emerge bright yellow in spring, soften to light green in summer, and turn soft yellow again in fall, while blooms are small, greenish, and not ornamentally significant. Its filtered shade and adaptable nature make it a popular choice for lawns, streets, and contemporary landscapes.

Type: Deciduous tree

Mature Size:
Width: 30–40 ft
Height: 30–40 ft
(10-year size: approx. 20–25 ft tall × 15–20 ft wide)

USDA Zones: 4a–9b
Form: Broadly oval, open, airy canopy
Light: Full sun (best color)
Soil: Highly adaptable; tolerates poor, compacted, and urban soils
Water: Moderate; drought tolerant once established

Wildlife: Attracts bees; provides light habitat for birds


Features & Landscape Uses


Bright golden spring foliage adds strong seasonal color



Light, filtered shade allows turf and underplanting



Excellent street, lawn, or shade tree



Tough and adaptable for urban environments




Care
Very low-maintenance and durable. Plant in full sun to maintain best yellow color. Prune as needed to develop strong structure when young. Tolerates heat, drought, salt, and pollution. Generally pest- and disease-resistant.

Plant type

Deciduous Tree, Shade Tree

Height

30-40'

Width

30-40'

Hardiness zones

4–9

Sunlight

Full Sun

Growth rate

Moderate

Leaf color

Green

Fall color

Yellow

Attracts

Bees

Soil

Highly Adaptable

Shape

Oval/Rounded, Pendulous

Deer resistant

Yes

Drought tolerant

Yes

10-year height

15-20'

10-year width

20-25'