Honey Locust (Gleditsia triacanthos) is classified as a hardwood. This deciduous tree, native to the central and eastern United States, produces wood valued for its density and durability.
Understanding the Hardwood Classification
The terms “hardwood” and “softwood” are based on the botanical origin of the tree, not its physical hardness. Hardwoods come from angiosperm trees, which are flowering plants that typically have broad leaves and shed them seasonally. Honey Locust is a broad-leafed, deciduous species from the Fabaceae family, placing it in this category.
Softwoods originate from gymnosperms, which are cone-bearing trees characterized by needles or scales, such as pines and cedars. This reproductive difference is the fundamental distinction in wood classification. Importantly, the hardwood classification does not mean the wood is physically harder than all softwoods; some softwoods, like yew, are denser than some hardwoods, like balsa.
The structure of hardwoods is defined by the presence of vessels, or pores, which transport water and nutrients throughout the tree. Honey Locust wood is ring-porous, displaying a distinct pattern of large pores concentrated in the early growth wood of each annual ring. This structure contributes to the wood’s coarse, yet attractive, grain pattern.
Key Characteristics of Honey Locust Wood
Honey Locust wood is known for its physical properties, comparable in strength to species like Red Oak. Its average dried weight is approximately 47 pounds per cubic foot, indicating high density. The wood exhibits a Janka hardness rating of around 1,580 pound-force, showing resistance to denting and wear.
This density provides excellent shock resistance, allowing the wood to absorb sudden impacts without fracturing. The grain is typically straight or slightly irregular, presenting a medium, uneven texture with a moderate natural luster. The heartwood color ranges from medium to light reddish-brown, sometimes showing a pinkish hue when freshly cut.
The heartwood is naturally resistant to decay, making it desirable for exterior applications. This resistance comes from extractives deposited as the sapwood converts to heartwood. While the heartwood is durable, the lighter-colored sapwood is not resistant to insect attack or decay. The wood is also known for its low shrinkage, meaning it remains stable once dried and reduces the chances of warping or checking.
Practical Uses and Durability
The strength, density, and natural durability of Honey Locust make it suitable for demanding applications. Its mechanical properties, similar to Red Oak, allow it to be used in furniture and cabinet construction. When finished, the wood takes a high-luster polish that highlights its coarse, attractive grain structure.
The wood’s resistance to decay makes it a traditional choice for items exposed to the elements, such as fence posts and utility lumber. Historically, it has been utilized for railroad ties due to its ability to withstand constant pressure and moisture. Its high shock resistance also makes it a good material for specialty items, including tool handles where repeated impact is common.
Beyond construction and woodworking, Honey Locust is a source of fuel. It burns hot, making it excellent firewood. Its practical utility, combining mechanical strength, stability, and natural resistance, suggests the wood deserves more recognition in the domestic timber market for high-value uses like flooring and millwork.