// SPECIES PROFILE · TREE · NATIVE

Water locust

Gleditsia aquatica

Water locust (Gleditsia aquatica) is a tree in the — family. Native range includes AR, MO. Hardy in zones 3a–11b. Mature size 18'–45'. Blooms Apr–Jun.

// QUICK FACTS

Family: —
Group: tree
Native range: Native to 14 U.S. states, including AL, AR, FL, GA, IL, IN…
USDA hardiness: Zones 3a–11b
Mature size: 18'–45'
Sun: —
Water: —
Bloom: Apr–Jun
Wildlife value: Pollinator and wildlife support
Ecological role: native species profile

Water locust (Gleditsia aquatica) — *Gleditsia aquatica* — Water locust. Photo by François André Michaux (book author), Augustus Lucas Hillhouse (translator), iii (illustrator), eee (engraver) via Wikimedia Commons (Public domain).

Field Notes

[ growing · ecology · siting · care ]

Water locust (Gleditsia aquatica) is a tree in the — family. Native range includes AR, MO. Hardy in zones 3a–11b. Mature size 18'–45'. Blooms Apr–Jun.

Why it's on this list: native species profile. Native-range data from the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center (NPIN), cross-checked against iNaturalist observations. Part of Rooted Revival's regional native plant catalog — true natives for Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri and Kansas.

Companion Planting

[ guild · polyculture · cross-layer pairings ]

In the same native range, water locust pairs naturally with: American Holly (Ilex opaca), American Persimmon (Diospyros virginiana), American Sycamore (Platanus occidentalis), Bald Cypress (Taxodium distichum).