Description
Gleditsia triacanthos var. inermis ‘Impcole’ Imperial® Thornless Honeylocust is a widely appreciated urban and landscape tree known for its rapid growth, graceful, open canopy, and adaptability to a variety of soil conditions. This cultivar is distinguished by its thornless branches, which make it an excellent choice for streetscapes, parks, and large residential landscapes where safety and maintenance ease are priorities. Its finely divided, fern-like foliage provides light, filtered shade and turns a bright, attractive yellow in the fall, enhancing seasonal interest. Originating as a selected variety of the native honeylocust, Gleditsia triacanthos, the ‘Imperial’ cultivar was developed to retain desirable traits such as drought tolerance, disease resistance, and urban pollution tolerance, all while eliminating the common species’ large thorns. Its history reflects a century-long effort by horticulturists to create a reliable and low-maintenance shade tree suitable for modern landscapes. The Imperial® Thornless Honeylocust has gained recognition for its performance in challenging urban environments and its contribution to sustainable green infrastructure.