Black Willow - Salix nigra Willow Family (Salicaceae)
The bark of black willow is dark brown to black, developing deep grooves and a rough texture with shaggy scales as it ages. The wood is soft and weak, but is used for building crates, the cores of furniture, wooden utensils, and formerly used for building prosthetics.1
This tree also attracts pollinators!1
Simple, alternate leaves are up to 6 inches long and are finely toothed along the edges. Leaves are medium green, changing to yellow green in autumn.2
References:
- Salix nigra. North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox. https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/salix-nigra/. No Publication Date. Accessed December 04, 2023.
- Black Willow. The Morton Arboretum. https://mortonarb.org/plant-and-protect/trees-and-plants/black-willow/#more-information. No Publication Date. Accessed December 04, 2023.
- https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/black-willow.jpg
- https://mortonarb.org/app/uploads/2020/12/14530_ca_object_representations_media_44924_large-1120×840-c-default.jpg
- https://th.bing.com/th/id/OIP.UQU1eNatwtXq2b3lLBEW8QHaFU?rs=1&pid=ImgDetMain
- https://newfs.s3.amazonaws.com/taxonimages-1000s1000/Salicaceae/salix-nigra-leahaines.jpg