Gleditsia triacanthos

Gleditsia triacanthos

A tree species that stands out with such special characteristics is definitely worthy of the plant of the month. Gleditsia triacanthos, the American Gleditsia, is a very frugal tree with an elegant appearance.  !important; In temperate and subtropical regions, it grows up to 30 meters high. In Central Europe, it is rarely seen and when it is, it is 10, at most 15 to 20 meters tall.

The name: far more than smoke and mirrors

Gleditsia triacanthos is the botanical name of the three-spined Gleditsia. Also known as Christ's thorn, the trees have three individual thorns on the trunk and branches when they are young, which branch out over time. Some species also retain thorns arranged in clusters in adulthood. However, there are also some thornless varieties, which are preferably used in public places. The most popular of these are: Shademaster, Skyline, Sunburst and Gleditsia triacanthos inermis.

Gleditsia is also known as the leather tree. If it feels at home in its habitat, it develops leathery pods that hang low on the branches well into the winter.

Tantalizing honey scent and other attractive features

The young trees want to grow up quickly and grow rapidly with an upward sloping central shoot. After around ten years, growth slows down and the branches now tend to grow horizontally.

Despite their tall growth, gledichias look very delicate. This is due to the dark green leaves, which are reminiscent of ferns in their delicacy. The flowers are not particularly showy. Their fragrance is all the sweeter for it. Their nectar and pollen - a paradise for insects.

Apart from its beautiful appearance, what makes the gleditsia an excellent urban tree and why should every larger garden have one? It tolerates drought and heat as well as flooding wetness and is not bothered by exhaust fumes, road salt or paving. It hardly ever gets sick and pests ignore it. It is so frugal and resistant that even those with little gardening experience can do little wrong. The trees are only a little sensitive to frost and wind.

With their vase-shaped or umbrella-like crown, Gleditschias are ideal for lining avenues, green strips, cemeteries, parks - and of course large and medium-sized gardens.