John Hershey (1898–1967) was an agricultural pioneer and nurseryman who established an experimental nut tree nursery and food forest in Downingtown, Pennsylvania, starting in 1921. Most of the trees he planted have since been cut down. A few still remain, now scattered through what has become a suburban neighborhood.
These honey locust seedlings were grown from seeds from Hershey trees, which produce pods with exceptionally high sugar content. The pulp inside the pods can be eaten raw, dried, or extracted to make baked goods or sugar.
The pods are also an excellent high-energy food for livestock, which also benefit from the dappled shade the trees provide. Dappled shade provides enough protection from sun to benefit livestock, but unlike the dense shade created by other trees, it does not negatively impact the growth of grass. Native to the midwest, east, and southeast US, this tree is also a host of the unique Honey Locust Moth, which feeds almost exclusively on honey locust and kentucky coffeetree.
Sun: Full Sun, Partial Sun, Partial Shade
Moisture: Moist, Average
Zones: 3-9
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