Honey locust

Honey locusts are striking trees, mainly from North America, often planted for contrast against darker green backgrounds, which highlight the golden foliage in autumn. The species is an open airy tree, particularly attractive in late summer when decked out with its flat, slightly twisted seedpods, but it is a tree to approach with respect because of the long spines which arm its branches. 'Sunburst' is a thornless fast-growing variety, with fern-like bright yellowish-green leaves which stand out clearly against the darker older foliage. Also known as 'Aurea'. The Royal Horticultural Society has given it its prestigious Award of Garden Merit (AGM).