Gleditsia caspia
Caspian locust
- Height × spread
- 10m × 8m
- Position
- Full sun
- Hardiness
- Very cold to -20C (RHS H6)
- Flowers
- Autumn
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
This curious small tree arms its trunk with formidable thorns, up to 15cm (6in) long as it matures. The branches carry additional spines, hidden amongst the little pinnate leaves (arranged on each side of a small stalk). The little leaves of Gleditsia are always attractive, and complement the hoary nature of the trees growth habit. The tree takes its name from its origin by the Caspian Sea. The pulp round the seedpod, which is sweet and honey like provided it has been squeezed, was once harvested in Iran. This tree will reach around 10m (30ft) in height.
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Autumn foliage
- Yellow
- Stem colour
- Green, Grey
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Fan
- Height
- 10m
- Spread
- 8m
- Height in 10 years
- 4m
- Spread in 10 years
- 2m
- Season of interest
- Autumn
- Flowers in
- Autumn
- Evergreen
- Deciduous
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun
- Soil type
- Gravelly soil, Loam (normal), Sandy soil
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Well drained soil
- Hardiness
- Very cold to -20C (RHS H6)
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Use for
- Structural
- Maintenance
- Easycare – low/no maintenance
- Hazards
- Yes, stems are prickly/thorny
Spring
Spring - late · Outdoors
Feed young plants with slow release fertiliser
Spread a slow release fertiliser around the base of the plant to the edge of the foliage spread, so that it can feed the roots. It is helpful for this to be applied for several years.
This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost until the plant becomes well established.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water during dry periods
For plants in the ground, when there has been little or no rain for a period of 7-10 days and the soil is dry, give it a deep watering and repeat weekly until there is a downpour of rain. Check plants in pots more frequently, especially in hot weather.
Planting & general
Outdoor planting · Planting
Add root growth stimulant to the planting hole
Mycorrhizal fungi helps roots establish quickly, so they absorb water and nutrients more efficiently. It comes as a powder, granule or gel. Add to the planting hole or container, and to the plant's rootball before planting in the hole. For "bareroot" plants use a gel.
Planting
Protect & support young trees
Attach a newly planted tree or tall shrub over 1m to a tree stake to give support and prevent windrock. Use a tree guard to stop tree bark being eaten by animals, especially in areas with deer - removing bark injures a tree and in worst case can kill it.