Bur Oak vs Thornless Honeylocust - TreeTime.ca

Bur Oak vs Thornless Honeylocust

Quercus macrocarpa

Gleditsia triacanthos inermis

Bur Oak
Thornless Honeylocust

Bur Oak has a wide distribution but is one of the only oaks that will grow well on the prairies. Bur Oak produces deeply lobed, dark green leaves that turn golden yellow to brown in the fall.

Its acorns are round and half enclosed by a mossy fringed cup.

Although slower growing, this long lived tree eventually becomes a popular large ornamental tree for driveways, parks, and the front of industrial buildings. Popular as a memorial or dedication tree.

Note: Most Oak species can be considered toxic for many animals.

Thornless Honey Locust makes an excellent shade tree with its lacy foliage and dappled shade. The leaves are honey-yellow, light and airy, providing interesting color and texture to your landscape. This variety is thornless, and the seeds and pods provide food for wildlife such as deer and squirrels.

The Thornless Honey Locust is tolerant of drought, various soil conditions, and even road salt.

Bur Oak Quick Facts

Thornless Honeylocust Quick Facts

Lowest Price: $6.99 - SAVE UP TO 53%
Lowest Price: $11.49 - SAVE UP TO 32%
Zone: 2b
Zone: 3a
Height: 20 m (66 ft)
Height: 15 m (50 ft)
Spread: 8 m (28 ft)
Spread: 15 m (50 ft)
Light: full sun
Light: full sun
Moisture: dry, normal
Moisture: any
Growth rate: slow
Growth rate: medium
Life span: long
Life span: long
Suckering: low
Suckering: none
Maintenance: medium


Foliage: light and thin
Fall colour: yellow to golden brown
Nuts: small acorns
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: yes
Catkins: no


Native to: SK, MB, ON, QC, NB
Other Names: blue oak, burr oak, mossycup oak, scrub oak