What tree has large thorns growing directly from the trunk?

A tree with large, branched thorns growing directly from the trunk is almost certainly a honey locust (Gleditsia triacanthos), one of the most distinctive trees in North America. The thorns are unmistakable — they can be 3-8 inches long, often branched into multiple points, and grow in clusters directly from the bark of the trunk and major branches.

Honey locust identification:

• Thorns: Large, branched, reddish-brown thorns — some can be up to 8 inches long with 3 sharp points. They grow from the trunk and older branches (not just twigs).
• Leaves: Bipinnately compound — tiny oval leaflets arranged along a central stem, giving a lacy, feathery appearance. Leaves cast light, dappled shade.
• Seed pods: Long (8-16 inch), twisted, dark brown pods that litter the ground in fall. Inside the pods is a sweet, sticky pulp (hence "honey" locust).
• Bark: Dark gray-brown, deeply furrowed with interlacing ridges on mature trees.
• Native range: Eastern and central US, common in floodplains and disturbed areas.

Important note about landscaping cultivars:

Most honey locusts planted in landscapes are the thornless, podless cultivar 'Shademaster' or 'Sunburst' (G. triacanthos var. inermis). So if you're seeing thorny ones, it's either a wild/native tree or a seedling from a thornless cultivar reverting to the thorny form.

Other thorny tree possibilities:

• Hawthorn (Crataegus) — shorter (1-3 inch), unbranched thorns, smaller tree, produces small apple-like fruits
• Black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia) — paired short thorns at leaf bases (stipular spines), fragrant white flower clusters, similar compound leaves
• Osage orange (Maclura pomifera) — stout curved thorns, produces large wrinkly green "hedge apples"

For interactive help identifying your tree, use our Tree ID Guide or browse the Plant Database.