Black-locust, native to the eastern United States, was one of several trees planted by early Euro-American settlers that thrived in the Boise Frontm frequently persisting around old homesteads.  Trees are easily recognized, even in mid-winter, by the persisting flattened seed-pods, thorny branches, and deeply furrowed bark, which is often covered with colorful lichens.

Groves are popular nesting sites for magpies, with the thorny branches providing added protection for the large masses of twigs that surround the nest proper.