native locust (some varieties) have thorns-- even in the bark of the tree trunk! they were often planted as hedges/cattle fencing (before barbed wire)

there are hybid/thornless varieties, but one can occationally come across a native tree--its always a memorable experience.. (there is one in riverside drive park, about 110th street in manhattan, another can be found near the tressle crossing the LIRR in Little Neck-(both locations in NYC)


my other obsession