What is the Difference Between Black and Honey Locust Trees?

The main differences between black and honey locust trees are in their appearance, leaf shape, fragrance, and thorns. Here are the key differences:

1. Leaf Shape: Honey locust leaves have an even number of leaflets, while black locust leaves have an odd number with a single leaflet at the end of each leaf. Honey locust leaflets are narrower and more than twice as long as they are wide, while black locust leaflets are more rounded.
2. Leaf Color: Honey locust leaves are bright green, while black locust leaves are blue-green.
3. Thorns: Both species have thorns, but honey locust thorns are much longer, reaching up to 8 inches in length.
4. Fragrance: Black locust flowers have a sweet fragrance similar to orange blossom honey, while honey locust flowers produce a sweet and rosy fragrance that is often compared to tupelo honey sweetened with rose otto.
5. Bark: Black locust bark is dark gray and becomes very furrowed with age, while honey locust bark is more variegated.
6. Wood Color: Black locust wood is light green when freshly cut, turning golden when exposed to the sun. Honey locust wood has a honey-colored tone.

Despite these differences, both trees share some common features, such as being fast-growing, colony-forming, and tolerant of various soil types. They both produce fragrant flowers and are used for woodworking and various wood applications.

Comparative Table: Black vs Honey Locust Trees

Here is a table comparing the differences between black and honey locust trees:

Black locust trees have rough, deeply furrowed bark and smaller thorns, while honey locust trees have flat-plate style bark and larger thorns. Additionally, black locust trees produce smaller seed pods and white pea-like flowers, whereas honey locust trees have larger seed pods and yellow-green flowers.