Salix nigra
Noble Foundation Plant
Image Gallery Black Willow is seen as a
shrub
and as a large tree,
up to 100 feet tall. This tree often has multiple
trunks,
with many branches coming from each. Black Willows are found
along streams, in marshes, or places where they can get
sun. Black Willow leaves are
narrow and lance-shaped (long and skinny). They are shiny
green on top, and pale green below. Leaves are three to five
inches long and may have very fine teeth. Black Willow bark is dark
brown or black with ridges. Copyright, Dr. Donald
Farrar and Anna Gardner Noble Foundation Plant
Image Gallery Trees of Alabama
and the Southeast, Photographer: Mike
Hogan Black Willow
flowers are called catkins.
They are yellow and one to three inches long. Fruit
is a small capsule, turning reddish-brown. It
contains tiny, hairy green seeds. OPLIN Black Willows are often
found with the following trees: American Sycamore, Sweetgum,
American Elm, Eastern Cottonwood, and Red Maple. They are a food source
for White-tailed Deer, rabbits, small rodents, and Beaver
which eat the bark, stems and twigs. Black Willow
nectar
is consumed by bees, butterflies and other insects. Leaves
are eaten by the caterpillars
of many species of butterflies and moths. Black Willow supplies
cover
for many birds and small mammals,
and cavities
for creatures such as woodpeckers, raccoons, and
others. This is a good
pioneer
plant, one of the first to take over a field. Black Willows depend on
bees, butterflies, and other insects to help
pollinate
them. Seeds are also spread by wind and water. Trees of Alabama and the
Southeast, Photographer: Mike Hogan
