Thought to be native to the central Appalachians, Black Locust has spread widely beyond its historic range and is now common in New England as well as parts of Europe (where it is considered an invasive species). Black Locust is frequently encountered on roadsides, old fields, and waste places, where it often occurs in thickets of genetically identical trees formed by root sprouts. Black Locust wood is highly rot-resistant, and one of the ways the species has expanded its range is by farmers planting the trees for future fence posts. The large clusters of white flowers in early spring are a favorite of honeybees.