Gleditsia aquatica, commonly known as Water Locust, is a deciduous tree native to the wetland areas such as river swamps, slough margins, and floodplains in the southeastern United States. It is typically found in states ranging from Florida to eastern Texas, extending north to Illinois, Ohio, and southwestern Connecticut. The Water Locust usually reaches a height of 50 to 60 feet and has a preference for partial sun, thriving in USDA hardiness zones 6–9. Its appearance is characterized by a relatively open canopy with pinnately compound leaves that provide a light, dappled shade. The tree produces inconspicuous greenish-white flowers in the spring, followed by flat legumes that typically contain one seed each.

The Water Locust is valued for its adaptability to wet conditions, making it suitable for planting in areas with poor drainage or in riparian buffer zones to stabilize stream banks. It is also used in reforestation projects in its native range. While it is not commonly used for ornamental purposes due to its less showy flowers, it can be a practical choice for naturalized areas. The tree requires consistently moist soil and can tolerate occasional flooding. It is relatively low-maintenance once established but can be susceptible to pests like the honey locust pod gall midge.CC BY-SA 4.0