The ‘Ruby Lace’ Honey Locust (Gleditsia triacanthos ‘Ruby Lace’) is a highly sought-after ornamental cultivar of the native Honey Locust tree. This deciduous tree is prized for its unique foliage and elegant structure, making it a popular specimen in both urban and suburban landscapes. Its resilience and adaptability allow it to thrive in conditions that many other ornamental trees cannot tolerate. The ‘Ruby Lace’ provides a distinct visual accent throughout the growing season. This guide provides detailed information on the aesthetic features, cultivation, and necessary care for this specific tree.
Defining the Ruby Lace Look
The appeal of the ‘Ruby Lace’ cultivar lies in the dynamic color progression of its delicate, fine-textured foliage. In early spring, the new growth emerges with a striking deep bronze-red or ruby-red coloration, which is the origin of the tree’s name. As the season advances into summer, these compound leaves transition to a bronzy-green shade, maintaining a subtle red tint. The leaves are pinnately compound, giving the canopy a feathery, frond-like appearance that casts a light, dappled shade.
The tree develops an open, upright, and spreading habit, often forming a graceful, rounded or vase-shaped crown at maturity. Unlike the wild species, the ‘Ruby Lace’ is a thornless variety, designated by the inermis classification, which makes it practical for residential planting. Mature specimens typically reach heights of about 30 feet with a spread of 20 to 25 feet. This relatively moderate size, combined with the fine texture, makes it an excellent choice for yards where a full, dense shade canopy is not desired.
Cultivation and Site Selection
Selecting the proper site and providing adequate initial care are necessary for the successful establishment of the ‘Ruby Lace’ Honey Locust. This cultivar performs best when planted in a location that receives full sunlight throughout the day, which encourages the most vibrant foliage color. It exhibits a broad tolerance for different climatic conditions, succeeding across USDA Hardiness Zones 4 through 9.
While the tree is highly adaptable to a variety of soil conditions, including poor, compacted, or clay soils, it prefers fertile, well-drained loam for optimal growth. The soil pH is not a major concern, as the species tolerates a wide range from acidic to alkaline. When planting, the hole should be dug two to three times wider than the root ball, but only as deep as the root ball itself.
Immediate and consistent watering after planting is necessary for the first few growing seasons to establish a robust root system. Although the ‘Ruby Lace’ is known for its drought tolerance once established, young trees require regular moisture to settle in. Because of its mature size, it should be situated away from power lines and structures, allowing ample space for its high canopy and lateral spread. Its tolerance for urban pollution and environmental salt makes it a suitable selection for street-side planting or areas near paved surfaces.
Managing Common Tree Health Concerns
The ‘Ruby Lace’ Honey Locust is generally a low-maintenance tree, but it can be susceptible to a few common pests and diseases that require monitoring. One of the most frequently noted insect issues is the Honey Locust Pod Gall Midge, which causes small, pea-sized galls to form on the leaflets, leading to distorted foliage. Although visually unattractive, these galls rarely cause serious damage to the tree’s health.
Other insect concerns include the Honeylocust Plant Bug and Mimosa Webworm, both of which feed on new growth, causing stippling or defoliation. Monitoring for these pests involves inspecting new spring growth for signs of distortion or small, pale insects. Disease issues are less frequent but can include cankers, powdery mildew, and various leaf spots. Maintaining proper watering and avoiding mechanical injury to the bark helps prevent entry points for canker-causing fungi.
The tree displays tolerance for heat, wind, and urban environments, but certain environmental factors can still cause stress. While mature trees handle drought well, prolonged, severe water deprivation can lead to leaf scorch or premature leaf drop. Excessive salt exposure, especially from de-icing compounds, can negatively affect the tree, despite its general tolerance. Pruning is typically limited to removing damaged or crossing branches, which is best performed in late winter when the tree is dormant.