Honey Locust Seed Pod Variations

Hiking a section of the Bonneville Shoreline Trail in Springville we came across a curious small tree - already totally devoid of leaves at the beginning of November, but absolutely laden with long, twisting seed pods.

The seed pods had a very pleasing rattle, they would be a great percussion instrument. The things kept chewing at the green flesh inside the pods so we took them away, but as it turns out the flesh is edible and sweet!

The tree is a honey locust, native to this region and tolerant of extreme soil conditions. It was the only tree growing on a steep exposed face of the mountain, in very dry rocky soil. Apparently it is an invasive species in Australia. The one we found was a spineless variety.

The Things planted quite a few of the seeds in various holes they dug along the way during the rest of our hike. They have been in to planting tree seeds lately, usually maple seeds but they quite fell in love with the nice big flat seeds inside the pods (unfortunately I didn't get any pictures of the seeds themselves).

Pod Portals