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Locust tree shedding #754708

Asked June 08, 2021, 8:20 AM EDT

My locust tree is shedding a massive amount of what I think are tiny flowers. It’s making an awful mess everyday and even gets in my hair when I’m outside. Can you tell me why and if it’s temporary? We’ve lived here 30 years, never had this happen. 

Erie County New York

Expert Response

Trees can be messy! These look like they could be the flowers of honey locust, Glenditsia triacanthos and you have a bumper crop.

Honey locust have single sex trees with either male or female flowers though there are also some male and female (called perfect) flowers. They appear in early summer, the female flowers on longer, 3 - 4 inch stalks with a cluster of flowers. The male flowers fall singly or on shorter stalks. This happens just once a year and flower production varies each year with weather conditions and some element of tree survival strategy.

It should be over soon!

An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 11, 2021, 9:35 AM EDT
Thank you so much. I’m suspecting male. Tiny flowers falling singly. It’s easing up a bit. Glad it’s temporary. I appreciate the response. Must of had something to do with the climate, I noticed other yards with the same problem. 
Thanks again, have a nice day. 
Sue


Sent from my iPad

On Jun 11, 2021, at 9:35 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:


The Question Asker Replied June 11, 2021, 1:59 PM EDT

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