Gledista tricanthos is a spreading, deciduous tree with a spiny trunk and shoots. Native to North America, the Honey Locust grows to heights of 30 metres or more. Glossy, pinnate dark green leaves to 25cm long, turn yellow in Autumn and are composed of 14-24 leaflets. There are a number of varieties of G. tricanthos of which 'Rubylace' is notable for its dark bronze-red leaves that turn to a bronze-green colour by the Summer.

BONSAI CULTIVATION NOTES

POSITION Full sun; protect from frost below -5°C to avoid twig dieback.

FEEDING Every two weeks throughout the growing season.

REPOTTING Every two to three years in Spring as buds extend.

PRUNING Hard prune or carry out formative pruning in late Winter. Trim new growth as necessary.

PROPAGATION Sow scarified seed outside in Autumn.

PESTS AND DISEASES Gall midges on foliage may be a problem.

STYLING Informal upright forms with single or multiple trunks in small to medium sizes.