A medium-sized, deciduous, thorny shrub with multiple basal stems and whitish-to-dark-gray branches that frequently forms dense thickets. Fragrant white or light yellow flowers are produced from February to April in clustered, oblong spikelets. Blackbrush is a common component of South Texas brushland, and is frequently found on sandy, gravelly or limestone caliche ridges and hills; it is often associated with guajillo. White-tailed deer browse the legumes and relish the flowers; the seeds are eaten by a variety of birds including bobwhite quail. Blackbrush is drought tolerant and can be used as a landscaping plant in dry areas, xeriscapes and rock gardens.