Black Willow
Salix nigra
Also listed as Salix denudata, Salix dubia
Also known as Swamp Willow
Climate Match for your location
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A fast-growing native tree with long, narrow leaves and delicate catkins, thriving in wet or riparian soils. Excellent for streamside plantings and erosion control, though aggressive root systems make it unsuitable near structures.
Why grow it
Black willow establishes quickly in wet sites where slower-growing native species struggle, making it valuable for rapid streambank stabilization and riparian buffer creation. Compared to other willows, it tolerates a wider range of moisture conditions from seasonally wet to permanently saturated soils. Its dense root network and fine branching structure provide excellent erosion control without requiring supplemental irrigation once established.
Watch out for
The vigorous root system requires adequate space from hardscape and utilities, as roots will seek out water sources and can damage drainage systems over time. In drier settings away from its preferred wet habitat, the tree may develop pest pressure from aphids and beetles more readily than in consistently moist conditions. Willow wood is relatively soft and prone to branch breakage in heavy wind or ice events, so expect some ongoing management and cleanup in exposed locations.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Salicaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Eastern North America
Native to: Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Vermont, Wisconsin, West Virginia
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Canopy
The tallest trees that form the overstory.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
A fast-growing native tree with long, narrow leaves and delicate catkins, thriving in wet or riparian soils. Excellent for streamside plantings and erosion control, though aggressive root systems make it unsuitable near structures.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Black Willow grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Black willow establishes quickly in wet sites where slower-growing native species struggle, making it valuable for rapid streambank stabilization and riparian buffer creation. Compared to other willows, it tolerates a wider range of moisture conditions from seasonally wet to permanently saturated soils. Its dense root network and fine branching structure provide excellent erosion control without requiring supplemental irrigation once established.
Watch out for
The vigorous root system requires adequate space from hardscape and utilities, as roots will seek out water sources and can damage drainage systems over time. In drier settings away from its preferred wet habitat, the tree may develop pest pressure from aphids and beetles more readily than in consistently moist conditions. Willow wood is relatively soft and prone to branch breakage in heavy wind or ice events, so expect some ongoing management and cleanup in exposed locations.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Salicaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Eastern North America
Native to: Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Vermont, Wisconsin, West Virginia
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Canopy
The tallest trees that form the overstory.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
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