Black Willow
Salix nigra · Deciduous Broadleaf Hardwood
Plant Family
Salicaceae
Tree Category
Shade Tree / Riparian Forest Tree
Variety / Cultivar
Standard species (no specific cultivar)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 2 through 8
About This Tree
A medium to large deciduous tree often featuring a multi-stemmed, leaning trunk and a broad, irregular, open crown. Known for its rapid growth and tendency to sprout new shoots directly from cut logs or damaged bark, as seen in the image.
Leaf Characteristics
Simple, alternate, lanceolate leaves, finely serrate margins, 3 to 6 inches long, bright green above and paler underneath, turning yellow in autumn.
Bark Characteristics
Dark brown to nearly black, deeply furrowed and scaly on mature trees, showing characteristic rough ridges.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to eastern and central North America
Growing Season
Spring leaf-out with catkins, entering dormancy in late autumn
Sunlight & Water Needs
Requires full sun and high moisture; highly tolerant of saturated soils and periodic flooding, though moderately drought-tolerant once established.
Mature Size
Height of 30 to 50 feet with a similar spread, fast growth rate, and a relatively short lifespan of 50 to 70 years.
Special Characteristics
Extremely high capacity for vegetative propagation and stump sprouting, excellent for erosion control along riverbanks and wetlands.
Wildlife & Ecology
Supports numerous pollinators with early-season nectar, provides cover and nesting for birds, and serves as a host plant for various butterfly and moth larvae.