Perhaps it is from someone clearing/clipping weeds and it blew there. I get a variety of "tumble weeds" when cleaning out the gardens in the spring. But then again, seed pods can make for a pretty "winter bouquet" so perhaps someone left it there on purpose. Glad to help! FataMorgana

Honey Locust is a rather dangerous tree to have around. The common ones grow thorns up to a foot long, which are perhaps the nastiest thorns of any North American tree. I have been told that some of the African Acacias are worse, but don't know that for a fact. Not something I'd care to have on my property. The so-called Moraine locust is a thornless form, so just hope you have that variety. George

Thanks Flora UK. I found this in my garden, residential near to the coast, about half a mile. I have five seed pods, they all look similar but not absolutely identical as the colours differ from darkish brown to this lighter colour. Instead of having a waxy surface it is more glossy looking. Does any of this help?

monarda ... the one i had was a perennial in MI ... why would this one be dead to the ground ...??? kach.. next time.. throw in a scale ... anything we might recognize ... very slightly reminds me of bachelor button [the annual one.. not the perennial one...lol] .. cornflower ... or which i never knew the latin name ... ken well not after i looked at the pix.. but they are so pretty i offer the link.. and dont delete my response ... this is 5 mins of my life i will never get back.. lol https://www.google.com/search?q=bachelor+button..+cornflower+seed+pod&biw=878&bih=745&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjBn_jMz8LJAhUTqoMKHTekCoIQ_AUIBigB&dpr=0.9