Japonica Locust (Gleditsia japonica)

Family: Fabaceae or Leguminosae | Edibility: Edible (3/5)

Gleditsia japonica is a deciduous Tree growing to 20 m (65ft) by 12 m (39ft) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. It can fix Nitrogen. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Nuts/Seeds, Leaves

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Seed - cooked. The seed is roasted, dehusked, soaked until soft then boiled and eaten with sugar. The seed contains 22.4% protein and 2.8% fat. Young leaves - cooked. A famine food used when all else fails. — The seed is roasted, dehusked, soaked until soft then boiled and eaten with sugar.; The seed contains 22.4% protein and 2.8% fat.; Young leaves - cooked.; A famine food used when all else fails.

Habitat & North American Range

Damp sandy soils. (Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9)