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Honey Locust


Honey Locust
Photo Information
Copyright: Larry Doyle (techranger) Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 202 W: 9 N: 861] (2674)
Genre: Plants
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2009-05-25
Categories: Trees
Camera: Panasonic Lumix FZ20
Photo Version: Original Version
Date Submitted: 2009-05-30 7:34
Viewed: 696
Points: 18
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
"The Honey locust (Gleditsia triacanthos) is a deciduous tree native to eastern North America. It is mostly found in the moist soil of river valleys ranging from southeastern South Dakota to New Orleans and central Texas, and as far east as central Pennsylvania.

Honey locusts can reach a height of 20–30 m (66–100 ft), with fast growth, and are relatively short-lived; about 120 years, some living up to 150. They are also prone to losing large branches in windstorms. The leaves are pinnately compound on older trees but bipinnately compound on vigorous young trees.

Honey locusts commonly have thorns 10–20 cm long growing out of the branches; these may be single, or branched into several points, and commonly form dense clusters. The thorns are fairly soft and green when young, harden and turn red as they age, then fade to ash grey and turn brittle when mature. These thorns are thought to have evolved to protect the trees from browsing Pleistocene megafauna which may also have been involved in seed dispersal. Thornless forms (f. inermis) are occasionally found growing wild.

Despite its name, Honey locust is not a significant honey plant. The name derives from the sweet taste of the legume pulp, which was used for food by Native American people, and can also be fermented to make beer.

A Native American legend is that the Thunder Spirit recognized his son by his ability to sit comfortably on locust branches, despite the thorns.

It tolerates urban conditions, compacted soil, road salt, alkaline soil, heat and drought. The popularity is in part due to the fact that it transplants so easily." - Wikipedia

We have a lot of these trees growing along the roadsides here. This one was taken one day on the relatively narrow country road on our way to church. The blossoms produced are very fragrant spring flowers.
These trees grow quickly and spread easily.

Taken hand-held, extended 12X zoom lens looking up into the tree... auto everything. Some PP work.

"I thank you God for this most amazing day, for the leaping greenly spirits of trees, and for the blue dream of sky and for everything which is natural, which is infinite, which is yes. - e.e. cummings
CeltickRanger, Hormon_Manyer, jaycee, goldyrs, tuslaw, eqshannon, ubc64, Pitoncle has marked this note useful
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Critiques [Translate]

hello Larry

beautiful photography of this tree with his spring flowers,
fine POV and appropriate vertical framing,
excellent sharpness and details, TFS

Asbed

Hi Larry,
Very nice plant photo, great colors (even in shadows), sharpness, composition and DOF. I really like it eventhough the background noise is a little too much to my sensitive eyes. Otherwise an excellent pic. Tfs.
Best wishes from Hungary, László

  • Great 
  • jaycee Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2493 W: 11 N: 6885] (21912)
  • [2009-05-30 16:30]

Hi Larry,

I so enjoy seeing all these wonderful flowers from a section of the country I may never get back to again! I never saw a Honey Locust but would like to. Very pretty with beautiful colors and details. Beautiful composition with the lovely leaves.

Jane

  • Great 
  • lousat Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 1978 W: 6 N: 5527] (19673)
  • [2009-05-30 17:24]

Hi Larry,not easy to comment a perfection like that! You crop at the best this pic,wonderful sharpness too,my best compliments,have a nice Sunday,LUCIANO

A very beautiful shot, Larry!
And the vertical framing makes it more so!
Cheers!
Goldy

  • Great 
  • tuslaw Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 502 W: 20 N: 1381] (4831)
  • [2009-05-31 19:23]

Another wonderful image Larry,
The flowers look beautiful hanging down from this Honey Locust tree in this nicely composed image. You show good detail and just the right amount of exposure. Fine work!!
Ron

Very few things of delicate beauty such as this make it in harsh winters in northern latitudes. It comes to me only now in images.....very well seen Larry! and if I called you Ron before I apologize..I think the three of us are in the same pew:-)
Bob

  • Great 
  • ubc64 Silver Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 31 W: 3 N: 86] (292)
  • [2009-06-06 14:37]

Hi Larry,

I haven't seen such trees around here, in Alberta. Although, if they're in South Dakota, perhaps there's a chance that I might see them some day. Nice colors and details in your photo. The blossoms obviously lend themselves well to a portrait cropping. Good info too. TFS.

Regards,
John

Bonjour Larry,
Très agréable publication dans laquelle le sujet est bien valorisé par une très bonne maitrise de la lumière.
A bientôt sur TN pour de nouvelles aventures.
Gérard

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