Gleditsia triacanthos

Gleditsia triacanthos is a tree native across the southeast, although most common in the Blue Ridge mountains and westward. It is naturally found in moist forests, and grows best in full sun to part shade. This tree has pinnately compound leaves, and the trunk has thorns up to three inches long. Showy, yellow flowers bloom in the spring and attract pollinators. Long, red seed pods mature in the fall and are a food source for wildlife. This plant is a host for a few native butterfly species. Gleditsia triacanthos works well for restoration plantings.