As a park tree this is gaining ground rapidly. The native species (Gleditschia triacan-thos) was a favorite with A. J. Downing, who says of it: "There is a peculiar elegance about its light-green and beautiful foliage which wafts so gracefully in the summer breeze, and folds up on the slightest shower, that it stands far above the common locust for the embellishment of scenery."

It does not sprout like the black locust, and is more like the acacias of California. It grows rapidly from the seeds after scalding (6. Soaking and Scalding Seeds).