Honey locust pods are a familiar sight to many people. It is a common street tree, planted primarily in suburban and urban areas. The consensus is that these pods are messy and a nuisance. However, these pods hold a powerful secret that we can’t afford to overlook. Inside the pod there is an edible bright green flesh that is as sweet as candy. It makes a delicious snack and can be processed into a sweetener. Imagine growing sugar on trees! Within the pods there are also protein packed seeds that can be consumed by livestock and wild animals.

It is important to note that not all honey locusts are created equal. There have been some small but vital breeding efforts done in the past that have provided local enthusiasts with selections such as Hershey, Calhoun, Ashworth, and Millwood. The pods from these trees are plump and much more usable by people and animals. For example, varieties such as Millwood produce pods that are more digestible, higher in sugar and protein, and more productive than your average honey locust tree. Adding these productive varieties into a silvopasture system could yield just as many calories, if not more, from the pods than from a field of hay. There is also the added benefit that the pods tend to drop over the course of months, providing supplemental forage from late summer to mid winter. Combined with the lush forage growing between the trees, the potential of honey locust becomes apparent. With the minimal breeding work that has been done, we are just beginning to unlock its full potential.