Gleditsia tri. 'Draves'

Street Keeper Honeylocust

Gleditsia triacanthos var. inermis ‘Draves’, commonly sold as Street Keeper®, is a fast-growing, thornless deciduous tree selected for its narrow, upright habit and strong central leader. Fine-textured green leaves emerge in spring, provide light, dappled shade through summer, and turn soft yellow in fall, while blooms are small and not ornamentally significant. Its tight form and durability make it an excellent choice for streets, medians, and confined spaces.

Type: Deciduous tree

Mature Size:
Width: 20–25 ft
Height: 40–50 ft
(10-year size: approx. 20–25 ft tall × 10–15 ft wide)

USDA Zones: 4a–9b
Form: Narrow, upright, oval to columnar
Light: Full sun
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


Narrow form ideal for streets and tight spaces



Light, filtered shade suitable for turf and underplanting



Strong structure with good wind resistance



Excellent urban tolerance




Care
Low-maintenance and durable. Plant in full sun for best growth. Prune when young to establish a strong central leader and good branch spacing. Tolerates heat, drought, salt, and pollution. Generally pest- and disease-resistant.

Plant type

Deciduous Tree, Shade Tree, Street Tree

Height

40-50'

Width

20-25'

Hardiness zones

5–9

Sunlight

Full Sun

Growth rate

Moderate

Leaf color

Green

Fall color

Vanilla

Attracts

Birds

Soil

Average, Highly Adaptable, Well Drained

Landscape use

Accent Plant, Specimen

Shape

Narrow Upright, Pyramidal

Drought tolerant

Yes

10-year height

10-15'

10-year width

20-25'