Honeylocust (GLEDITSIA TRIACANTHOS INERMIS) - 'Imperial'
Imperial® Honeylocust is the most compact of the honeylocust varieties allowing it a place in a wider range of landscapes. It also boasts a finer texture of it's bright green foliage when compared with other honeylocusts. The pinnately compound foliage is reminiscent of fern leaves and provides a dappled shade that still lets a little light through. Fall color is yellow. This thornless, mostly seedless variety has strong, wide branch angles that resist storm damage and is fast-growing and relatively maintenance-free. Deer tend to leave honeylocusts alone and they are highly adaptable, tolerant, and reliable.
Climbing to a mature height of 35 feet and spread of 30 feet, 'Imperial' is one of the most compact of the honeylocusts. It is cold hardy to USDA Hardiness zone 4.-7. For best growth, plant in full sun and well-drained soil, although it is extremely adaptable to soil conditions and can even tolerate standing water for a very brief exposure to it. It is very adaptable to both dry and moist locations and is not particular as to soil type or pH, even able to handle environmental salt. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. Very tolerant of adverse growing conditions. Prune in spring to remove small shoots along the trunk, suckers, water sprouts and competing branches. Prune out dead, diseased or broken branches any time. It has a high canopy with a typical clearance of 7 feet from the ground, and should not be planted underneath power lines. As it matures, the lower branches of this tree can be strategically removed to create a high enough canopy to support unobstructed human traffic underneath. It grows at a fast rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for 70 years or more.