Northern Acclaim® Honeylocust

Northern Acclaim® is a cold-hardy, thornless honeylocust selected at North Dakota State University for prairie and northern landscapes. Its upright, pyramidal crown broadens with age, giving medium and large sites fine-textured shade with the bright green summer foliage and golden fall color described by [NDSU Horticulture](https://ndsuhorticulture.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Northern-Acclaim-Datasheet.pdf) and the [J. Frank Schmidt cultivar listing](https://jfschmidt.com/all-trees/northern-acclaim-honeylocust/). ## Landscape Use Use Northern Acclaim® as a shade or boulevard tree where a durable, open canopy and cold tolerance are useful. The NDSU sheet describes it as a seedless male selection that casts dappled shade, so lawns and lower plantings can receive filtered light beneath the canopy. ## Size and Siting Plan for about 40–50 feet of height and 30–35 feet of spread. Plant in full sun and well-drained soil; the selection tolerates a range of soil pH, including higher-pH soils. NDSU reports good drought tolerance, especially useful after the tree is established. Give the crown room to widen as it matures. ## Seasonal Interest Fine, bright green compound leaves provide a light texture through summer, then turn golden yellow in fall. Small greenish-yellow flowers are inconspicuous, and the male selection does not produce the long pods associated with female honeylocusts. ## Maintenance Water regularly while the tree establishes, then adjust irrigation to rainfall and soil conditions. The [Morton Arboretum recommends pruning thornless honeylocust in fall or winter](https://mortonarb.org/plant-and-protect/trees-and-plants/thornless-honey-locust/); remove damaged or crossing branches and maintain a sound framework without severe crown reduction.