Imperial® Honeylocust

Imperial® is a compact, rounded thornless honeylocust with fine green foliage and a spreading crown. Its formal outline and moderate mature size make it a useful shade tree for residential yards and streetscapes where a broad canopy is wanted without the scale of larger selections, as described by [J. Frank Schmidt](https://jfschmidt.com/all-trees/trees/imperial-honeylocust/) and [The Morton Arboretum](https://mortonarb.org/plant-and-protect/trees-and-plants/thornless-honey-locust/). ## Landscape Use Use Imperial® as a specimen or shade tree in an open lawn, parkway, or other sunny site with room for a rounded crown. The broad branch angles create a spreading form and help the canopy cast light, filtered shade. ## Size and Siting Allow roughly 30–35 feet in height and spread. Plant in full sun in well-drained soil; thornless honeylocusts adapt to a range of urban conditions. J. Frank Schmidt lists Imperial® for USDA Zone 4. The cultivar is usually described as nearly seedless, although the Morton Arboretum notes that a few pods may form, so leave room for occasional seasonal cleanup. ## Seasonal Interest Small compound leaves create a fine texture in summer and turn yellow in fall. The flowers are not a major ornamental feature; the rounded crown and filtered light are the main landscape contributions. ## Maintenance Water consistently during establishment and mulch the root zone without piling mulch against the trunk. Check the branch structure as the tree develops and use selective pruning to maintain clearance and a balanced crown.