If identification of the species is in doubt, the plant's identity should be confirmed by a knowledgeable individual, and by consulting appropriate books. The natural distribution of black locust originally centered on the lower Appalachian Mountain slopes of the southeastern United States with outliers north along the slopes and forest margins of southern Illinois, Indiana, and Missouri. Planted extensively for its nitrogen-fixing 14 capability and hardwood qualities, black locust has been reported to be the most widely planted North American tree. Also, it is planted extensively to provide nectar for honeybees and to provide wooden fence posts. It has become naturalized in upland forests, prairies, and savannas.
Most natural reproduction is vegetative by means of root suckering and stump sprouting.
Root suckers arise spontaneously from the extensive root system of trees as young as 4-5 years old. Productivity of root suckers increases in full sun, in open areas, and in sandy loamy soils. They are interconnected by fibrous roots to form groves of trees with oldest plants in the center and youngest on the periphery. It can be found in upland forest natural areas where it becomes established along ridgetop logging roads, at old homesites, or in openings following natural tree fall. Eroded areas along streams also provide potential habitat for seedling establishment.