black willow (Salix nigra)
Family: Salicaceae
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| Form:
This is a small to medium sized tree reaching 35 to 60 ft. in height and 1 to 1 1/2 ft. in dbh. It also has a large bole and a spreading crown. |
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Leaves: Shape: lanceolate Margin: finely serrate Texture: lusterous above and glabrous below Variation: N/A |
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| Bark:
The bark is nearly black and is deeply furrowed with thick scaly ridges. |
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| Twigs and Buds:
The twigs are slender and green. The buds are red brown to yellow. |
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| Flowers and Fruit:
The flowers are found in aments. The fruits is slender and large. |
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| Distinguishing Characteristics:
This trees leaves have a very short petiole. The twigs are slender and green. The fruit is slender, long, and ovid. The flowers are dioecious. |
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| Range:
This tree occurs from central Michigan south and east to the Atlantic coast and west to New Mexico. |
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| Silvics:
This species is very intolerant and occurs on stream banks and low areas. The tree also roots readily from stem cuttings. |
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| Ecological and Cultural Importance:
This species is the largest and only commercial willow. It is used in making furniture, turnery, doors, and polo balls. White-tailed deer browse twigs and leaves. |
