If this tree is growing nearby, you may be sitting on a hidden treasure without realizing it.

Most people look at a Honey Locust tree and see nothing but trouble. With massive thorns covering the trunk like something pulled from a prehistoric landscape, it is often considered a nuisance and one of the least desirable trees to have near a home. But overlooking this thorny guardian means missing out on one of the most surprisingly useful trees nature offers.

Why It’s Called “Honey” Locust

The real value of the Honey Locust is hidden inside its long, reddish-brown seed pods that fall to the ground in the fall. Crack one open and you will find a thick, sticky pulp surrounding the seeds.

Natural Sweetness: The pulp has an impressive sweetness, often compared to a blend of honey, molasses, and tamarind.
Energy Rich: Historically, this pulp served as an important sugar source for Indigenous communities and early settlers.
How It’s Used: As shown in the images, the pods can be sliced, dried, and dehydrated. Once fully dried, they can be ground into a powder and used as a flour supplement or as a natural sweetener for teas, porridge, and other simple foods.

More Than Sugar: A Survivalist’s Asset

The true “gold” of the Honey Locust is not limited to its sweetness. Its usefulness extends far beyond that.

Protein-Dense Seeds: The hard, bean-like seeds inside the pods contain roughly 20 to 30 percent protein. They must be processed, typically by roasting or boiling, before they are digestible, but they offer a powerful survival food source. Some people even roast the seeds and use them as a caffeine-free coffee alternative.
Valuable Animal Feed: Farmers have long known that livestock such as cattle and hogs, along with wildlife like deer, are drawn to these pods. Their nutrient density is so high that they can meaningfully reduce winter feeding costs.
Practical Thorns: While intimidating, the thorns were historically repurposed as durable sewing needles, pins, and even makeshift fishhooks.

An Important Warning

Before harvesting, it is critical to confirm you are dealing with a Honey Locust and not its close relative, the Black Locust. While Honey Locust pods are sweet and edible, Black Locust is toxic. One easy way to tell the difference is the pods. Honey Locust pods are long, sometimes reaching up to 18 inches, and often twisted, while Black Locust pods are much shorter and smoother.

So the next time you see those fierce-looking thorns, pause before grabbing a chainsaw. You might want to bring a basket instead. What looks dangerous at first glance could turn out to be one of the most valuable and unexpectedly sweet resources growing on your land.