Native Americans also used the tree medicinally, especially the bark, in the treatment of various illnesses. The Dine' use the twigs with their white flowers as prayer sticks. It is good forage for browsing animals (which may partly explain the naked trunks and bushy tops) and provides winter cover for wildlife. It is also a good fuel for fires. It is well adapted to fire areas, the root stock will survive to sprout the following year. It was also known as Palo fiero (iron wood or stick, in Spanish)