Gleditsia triacanthos ‘Sunburst’ | Golden Honey Locust Tree

Gleditsia triacanthos 'Sunburst' is a very popular ornamental yellow-leaved tree. It is a small, vibrant and delicate looking tree with a round and spreading canopy. This tree makes a good alternative to the Robinia pseudoacacia 'Frisia'. Although the Gleditsia triacanthos 'Sunburst' is late into leaf, when the foliage appears it is a real spectacle; the tree is covered in a mass of small golden-yellow pinnate leaves that turn green in summer then back to clear yellow in autumn. It will thrive in most free-draining soil, in full sun or partial shade, and will tolerate air pollution, although won't be happy in wet or water-logged sites. This tree is a cultivar of the Gleditsia triacanthos which is native to North America, and has large thorns. 'Sunburst' was introduced in the 1950's and is completely thorn-free. The Gleditsia triacanthos 'Sunburst' is suitable for any garden as a feature tree offering dappled shade and a big impact with its light, feathery form.