How to identify Black willow (Salix nigra)

How to identify Black willow (Salix nigra)

Black willow, also known as Swamp willow

Black willow is a fast-growing deciduous tree recognized by its sizable height of 70-80 feet (approximately 21-24 meters), which can reach up to 140 feet (about 43 meters) under ideal conditions. It features single or multiple curved trunks typically 1-2 feet (30-60 cm) in diameter. The crown of black willow is spreading and rounded, though it can appear irregular. Its preference for moist to wet soils is a noteworthy characteristic for its identification.

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type: Tree

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify Black willow

Yellowish-green, non-showy flowers in catkins during early spring.

Reddish-brown capsules with fluffy appearance, wind-dispersed seeds.

Narrow lanceolate leaves, toothed edges, green to yellow in fall.

Slender stem, brittle twigs, irregular branching pattern.

Bark variation from light to dark, deep furrows, shaggy scales.

Detailed Traits of Black willow

Leaf Features

Black willow has narrow, lanceolate leaves, measuring 3 to 6 inches (7.5 to 15 cm) long and 1/2 to 3/4 inches (1.25 to 1.9 cm) wide. The medium to dark green leaves are finely toothed and taper to elongate tips. During the fall, the leaf color changes to an undistinguished greenish-yellow. The leaf surface is smooth with a prominent central vein and finely serrated edges, making identification distinct for this species.

Leaf Base

Cuneate

Leaf Arrangement

Alternate

Leaf Apex

Acuminate ,

Caudiform

Leaf Texture

Papyraceous

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Flower Features

Black willow flowers are tiny, yellowish-green, and non-showy, appearing in early spring (late March-April) as the leaves emerge. The male and female flowers grow on separate trees, presented in catkins that are about 2 inches (5 cm) long. These flowers bloom from March to May, enhancing the appearance of the plant during its flowering period. The flowers lack a distinct scent and feature a petal arrangement within the elongated catkins. Their subtle color and form are key identification characteristics.

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Stem Features

The stem of black willow is slender and varies between light brown to dark reddish-brown. It is relatively smooth but may become slightly furrowed with age. The thickness ranges from about 0.25 inches (0.6 cm) in younger twigs to 1 inch (2.5 cm) in older branches. Twigs are distinguishable by their brittle junctions between new and old growth, making them prone to easy breakage. Branching occurs in a somewhat irregular pattern, enhancing its bushy appearance.

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Fruit Features

The fruit of black willow manifests as reddish-brown capsules, measuring about 0.2 inches (5 mm) in length. Encased within these oval-shaped capsules are numerous minuscule seeds. Each seed is attached to delicate, downy filaments that facilitate dispersal by wind. These fruits exhibit a fluffy appearance due to the filamentous adornment and are typically borne in late spring, from April to June. The combination of color, texture, and the wind-dispersal mechanism is distinctive for recognition.

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Black willow and Their Similar Plants

Goat willow vs. Black willow: What's The Difference?

Goat willow (Salix caprea) is a small deciduous tree or large shrub also known as pussy willow. Goat willow is native to Europe and western and central Asia. This species is not considered a good source of timber, as its wood is brittle. Salix caprea means "goat." This species is susceptible to disease mediated by insects and microbes.

Weeping willow vs. Black willow: What's The Difference?

Weeping willow (Salix babylonica) is a willow tree that originates in China. Now, it grows widely around the globe due to being traded on the Silk Road. This tree is planted ornamentally in parks and gardens.

White willow vs. Black willow: What's The Difference?

The cultivation of white willow dates back to the era of Hippocrates and Pliny the Elder. The wood of the white willow (Salix alba) is lightweight but durable, making it a popular material for products, including baskets and cricket bats. Chemicals in the bark, known as tannins, have also been used in the production of leather.

Pussy willow vs. Black willow: What's The Difference?

Pussy willow (Salix discolor) is a deciduous shrub that will grow in full sun to partial shade in medium to wet soil. It blooms in spring with yellow greenish catkins. The blooms resemble the pads on a cat's paw which is how it gets its name. Interestingly male plants produce the more desirable silky pearl gray catkins and female plants produce smaller less attractive blooms. Due to its preference for moist soils this plant is usually found around ponds streams and lakes.

Purple willow vs. Black willow: What's The Difference?

Purple willow (Salix purpurea) grows natively in parts of Europe, North America, and Asia. Its young shoots are purplish initially but turn light gray to grayish-brown with age. The twigs and stems of this variety of willow are bendable and very useful for creating baskets and furniture. A dense root system also helps in controlling bank erosion.

Coastal plain willow vs. Black willow: What's The Difference?

The coastal plain willow (Salix caroliniana) is a willow species that can grow up to 6 m tall. Small yellow flowers erupt from pliable stems en masse during spring and attract various pollinating insects like butterflies and bees. The branches are beneficial in the construction of fencing, basketry, and other crafts. Coastal plain willow thrives in boggy areas and can tolerate some salt but not full inundation.

Corkscrew willow vs. Black willow: What's The Difference?

Corkscrew willow is a willow tree known for its contorted and twisted branches that form stunning spiral shapes. The narrow leaves also come out twisted. It is a cultivar of Salix babylonica, named from the Italian word "tortuosa," which means winding. Gardeners plant this tree for its amazing winter ornamental appeal.

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Key Facts About Black willow

Attributes of Black willow

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Tree

Plant Height

21 m to 24 m

Spread

9 m to 18 m

Leaf Color

Green

Stem Color

Green

Yellow

Brown

Leaf type

Deciduous

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Scientific Classification of Black willow

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Nances, spurges, willows and allies

Family

Willow

Genus

Willows

Species

Black willow (Salix nigra)

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Distribution Map of Black willow

Black willow is native to eastern and southern North America. It is found in the moist soils of waterways and lakes. It has been introduced in France, Germany and Australia. It is reported to be invasive in Australia.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Potentially invasive

Exotic

No species reported

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A Comprehensive Guide to Black willow How to Grow and Care for Black willow