Gleditsia triacanthos 'Sunburst'

Sunburst Honey Locust

Botanical Name: Gleditsia triacanthos ‘Sunburst’
Family: Fabaceae
Origin: North America (cultivated selection)
Plant Type: Deciduous feature tree

Overview

Gleditsia triacanthos ‘Sunburst’ is a highly popular deciduous feature tree valued for its fine-textured foliage and brilliant golden-yellow new growth. Exceptionally well suited to Adelaide and South Australian conditions, it thrives in heat, drought, wind and poor soils once established.

In spring, ‘Sunburst’ emerges glowing yellow, gradually softening to lime green through summer before turning clear yellow again in autumn. Its light, airy canopy allows dappled shade rather than deep darkness, making it an excellent choice over lawns, gardens, driveways and paved areas.

Key Features

• Mature Size: 8–12 m H × 6–10 m W
• Growth Rate: Moderate to fast; approx. 40–70 cm per year
• Foliage: Fine, fern-like leaves; golden-yellow in spring, lime green in summer, yellow in autumn
• Flowers: Small greenish flowers in spring; insignificant
  
• Fragrance: Not fragrant
• Seasonal Interest: Golden spring foliage, soft summer shade and autumn colour; bare structure in winter
• Wildlife Value: Provides light shelter for birds; minimal nectar value
• Tolerance: Excellent drought tolerance once established; Excellent heat tolerance; High wind tolerance; Frost tolerant; Not affected by coastal salt spray if slightly inland (not beachfront)
• Planting Density: Feature tree: allow 6–10 m spacing
• Pet Friendly: Generally considered non-toxic

Where It Works Best

• Sunlight: Full sun (essential for best colour and form)
• Soil: Highly adaptable — performs in sandy, loam and clay soils
• Water Needs: Establishment: 2 deep soaks/week for 8–12 weeks; Established: Minimal supplemental watering except in extreme drought
• Maintenance: Very low maintenance; Occasional formative pruning when young; Minimal leaf litter due to fine foliage
• Lifespan: Long-lived deciduous tree; typically 40–60+ years
• Climate Zones: Ideal for temperate and Mediterranean South Australia, including Adelaide Plains, foothills and regional SA
• Soil pH: Broadly tolerant — acid, neutral or alkaline

Landscape & Design Ideas

• Feature or avenue tree for streetscapes
• Light shade over lawns, pools and entertaining areas
• Excellent urban tree for small to medium gardens
• Suitable for car parks and driveways due to filtered shade
• Pairs well with ornamental grasses, perennials and native understorey plantings

Why You Will Love It

Gleditsia ‘Sunburst’ delivers brilliant colour, soft shade and outstanding toughness. With its glowing spring foliage, airy canopy and resilience to Adelaide’s heat and drought, it’s one of the most reliable feature trees for modern South Australian landscapes.