Etymology: Gleditsia: simplified and Latinized name of J.G. Gleditsch, comtemporary of Linnaeus and a botanist
Plants: perennial tree 65" or more tall, usually thorny
Leaves: leaves with 9-14 pairs of leaflets; leaflets oblong to lance-like
Flowers: white to greenish/yellow; inflorescences along the branches, many male flowers in tight racemes, female flowers in looser racemes; blooms with or after the leaves appear
Fruits: large, flat, oval, woody, usually many-seeded, dark brown pods; seeds separated about 1" apart by a sweetish pulp
Habitat: moist; rich woods
Conservation Status: Native

Floristic Rating: Coefficient of Conservatism = 7, Wetland Indicator = FAC WIS DNR-Bureau of Endangered Resources: Detailed information on Wisconsin invasive species including decription, habitats, control methods USDA Plants Database: Federal Distribution and detailed information including photos University of Wisconsin - Green Bay: Trees: Photos, descriptions, information USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS): Images of seeds, fruits, embryos, etc. Virginia Tech Dept. of Forestry, College of Natural Resources: detailed description and photographs Southwest School of Botanical Medicine: Britton & Brown Illustrated Flora - 2nd Edition (1913) "An Illustrated Flora of the Northern United States and Canada" Landscape Plants of the Upper Midwest; UW-Extension: Interactive guide providing information on cultivation including: soil, zone, growth rate, landscape uses, pruning, light requirements; with photos and Latin name pronounciation