Black Willow (Salix nigra)

Description

Latin: Salix nigra

Zones: 2-8

Other common names: Black Willow, Swamp Willow

Mature Height: The black willow tree reaches a variety of heights. Along swamp banks, trees are typically smaller, between 30 to 50 feet. With ideal growing conditions and regular maintenance, the trees may reach 70 to 140 feet

Soil / Climate: Fast-growing.  Use in wet areas. These trees are important to the stabilization of stream banks and can often be found on sandbars.

Notes:  Many animals use the black willow tree for food or shelter. White tailed deer, rabbits, rodents and beavers eat the black willow’s bark, twigs and leaves. Bees, butterflies and insects feed on the nectar produced by the tree. The black willow provides shelter for a variety of woodland animals such as birds and small mammals, especially raccoons and woodpeckers.