black willow

Salix nigra

Black willow (Salix nigra) is a large shrub or small tree that is found along rivers, creeks, ponds, and lakes in the eastern United States. It typically grows from 15-30 feet tall with a trunk diameter reaching 12 inches at maturity. Black willow is known for its dark gray bark and narrow, flat, pointed leaves that are green on top and silvery or whitish underneath. Its branches tend to hang low to the ground and often droop inwards, forming an attractive canopy. Its dioecious flowers develop into small, brown, fuzzy seed capsules. Black willow is well-adapted to wetland habitats and is a keystone species providing critical shelter and food sources for many species of birds and mammals.