Black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia) - Plant Identification 

they are also recognisable by the thick accumulating bark.

How can you tell apart robinia neomexicana vs robinia pseudoacacia "purple robe" variety?

I had them in my back yard when I was growing up in Roanoke, VA. They grow taller than 50 ft. They also have thorns and attract lightning. They actually grow better in the piedmont because they are prone to less diseases. It is one of my favorites too.

Aren't they toxic to animals