Sunburst Locust ~ Keto Diet Review A good open canopy that glows in spring with shiny gold leaves that mature to shady green in summer, this locust turns gold again in mid-september. It is a superior color companion to contrasting purple leaf plums. The foliage is pleasantly soft without the thorns or beans present with other locusts. Prized to the low water consumption, it easily adapts to harsh windy landscapes and quickly grows to 30 feet tall.