The black willow is a fast-growing tree topped by a spreading crown that is usually found in floodplains, swamps, marshes, or along streambanks. It has shallow spreading roots that are excellent for binding soil and controlling erosion. Bark is dark brown with deep grooves and shaggy scales. Leaves are dark green, finely toothed, dark green, and 6” long with fall color of greenish-yellow. Flowers are catkins up to 2” long that appear in early spring and fruits are reddish-brown capsules. Mature height and spread of up to 60’. Prefers moist to wet soils in full sun to part shade. Tolerates flooding and should not be planted in dry soils.
The black willow is a fast-growing tree topped by a spreading crown that is usually found in floodplains, swamps, marshes, or along streambanks. It has shallow spreading roots that are excellent for binding soil and controlling erosion. Bark is dark brown with deep grooves and shaggy scales. Leaves are dark green, finely toothed, dark green, and 6” long with fall color of greenish-yellow. Flowers are catkins up to 2” long that appear in early spring and fruits are reddish-brown capsules. Mature height and spread of up to 60’. Prefers moist to wet soils in full sun to part shade. Tolerates flooding and should not be planted in dry soils.
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