Imperial Honeylocust

Imperial Honeylocust (Gleditsia triacanthos f. inermis 'Impcole')

Imperial Honeylocust (Gleditsia triacanthos f. inermis 'Impcole') is a compact, thornless cultivar of the native honeylocust, prized for its dense, rounded canopy and fine-textured foliage. With a more restrained size than typical honeylocusts and clean, low-maintenance growth, 'Impcole' is an ideal shade tree for residential settings, urban spaces, and commercial landscapes.

Distinctive Features

'Impcole' reaches approximately 30 to 35 feet tall and wide, significantly smaller than the species, with a full, rounded form that casts light, filtered shade. The pinnately compound foliage emerges bright green in spring, stays soft and airy through summer, and turns a golden-yellow in fall. Being a seedless and thornless cultivar, it offers a tidy, user-friendly option for shaded areas without litter or safety concerns.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Full sun
• Soil: Tolerates a wide range of soils; prefers well-drained loam
• Water: Moderate; drought resistant once established
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 4�9

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point: Dense canopy and golden fall color create strong visual impact
• Lawn Shade Tree: Light shade supports turf growth beneath
• Street or Boulevard Planting: Smaller size fits tighter urban corridors
• Residential Yards: Manageable scale is perfect for small to mid-sized lots
• Commercial and Campus Settings: Clean growth habit suits high-traffic areas

Low Maintenance Care

• Watering: Water regularly during establishment; highly drought tolerant after
• Pruning: Minimal; occasional thinning or structural training when young
• Fertilizing: Apply balanced fertilizer in early spring if needed
• Mulching: Maintain mulch around base to protect roots and conserve moisture
• Protection: Highly tolerant of pollution, salt, and urban stress

Why Choose Imperial Honeylocust?

• Compact and Manageable: Smaller mature size suits tighter spaces
• Thornless and Seedless: Safe, clean choice for high-use areas
• Filtered Shade: Supports lawn health and understory planting
• Golden Fall Foliage: Adds seasonal color without heavy cleanup
• Focal Point: Neat form and bright foliage make it ideal as a featured tree

Gleditsia triacanthos f. inermis 'Impcole' provides the beauty and toughness of honeylocust in a more compact, low-maintenance form�ideal for homeowners and landscapers looking for a practical, attractive shade tree.