Wood: The reddish-brown
wood is hard, strong, heavy, shock resistant and durable. It is used for
fence posts, railroad ties and fuel.
Wildlife: The name "honey locust" comes from the sweet, honey-like pulp inside the pods, which is eagerly eaten by grazing cattle, dispersing the seeds in the process. White-tailed deer, rabbits, squirrels and quail also eat the pulp of the pods.
Horticulture: Once an excellent ornamental
lawn tree, the honey locust has become overused since the Dutch elm disease
initiated a search for a replacement tree for the American
elm (Ulmus americana). The honey locust produces a light shade
that allows grass to grow up to the stem, is long-lived, adaptable and easy
to transplant. Some varieties are thornless ('Inermis' and 'Moraine') and
others are podless ('Green Glory' and 'Halka'). 'Sunburst' is a golden-leafed
variety, but is susceptible to canker.
Honey locust trees line both sides of the east end of Osborn Drive.
