A medium-sized tree with shaggy bark and long narrow leaves. Critical species for many native pollinators (bees) and butterflies.

Also called: Swamp Willow, Goodding's Willow (subspecies)

Native status: Native to eastern and central US

§ Quick facts

SizeHeight 9–24 m (30–80 ft); trunk diameter 30–80 cm
WeightN/A
LifespanTypically 40–70 years
OrderMalpighiales
FamilySalicaceae

§ Encyclopedia

Salix nigra, or the black willow, is a species of willow native to a large portion of North America, from New Brunswick and southern Ontario west to Arizona and California, and south to northern Florida and Texas.

Source: Wikipedia — Salix nigra Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. Medium-large tree with multiple curving trunks; dark furrowed bark; long narrow lance-shaped leaves green above and paler below; yellow-green catkins in early spring before leaves emerge.

Similar species. Other native willows (different leaf widths, ranges). Crack Willow (introduced; brittle twigs that snap easily). Cottonwoods (different leaf shape).

Voice. N/A

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. N/A — photosynthesis

Behavior. Largest native US willow. Fast-growing pioneer of streambanks, floodplains, and other wet disturbed sites. Roots stabilize riverbanks against erosion. Bark contains salicin — chemical precursor to aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid); willow bark has been used as a fever and pain reducer for over 2,000 years. Critical for many native pollinators — early spring catkins provide one of the very first nectar/pollen sources of the year for emerging native bees.

§ Range

Eastern North America

§ Habitat

River banks, wet meadows, swamps

§ Threats

Wetland loss, replacement with non-native willows.

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the black willow is currently classified as Least Concern.

§ What helps

Plant native black willow in wet areas. Support wetland conservation.

Support our work More ways to help

§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • USDA Plants Database
  • USDA Forest Service Silvics Manual
  • The Xerces Society Willows for Pollinators
  • IUCN Red List 2017