Species of thorny tree native to regions in North and South America, Africa, and Asia. It produces a high quality wood. The long thorns were once used as nails. Currently, honey locusts are mainly grown as an ornamental tree; its slow growth minimizes potential for commercial use. It is not a significant honey plant; rather the common names derive from the sweet tasting pulp of the legume fruit, which was used for food by Native Americans and is fermented to make beer.
