Salix nigra
,
Deciduous
Black willow is one of the most common tree-form native
willows encountered in the Great Plains. As such, it evolved as an important food source and habitat for local and visiting
wildlife.
Where To Grow
As with all trees, its success is determined by the soil type, amount of available moisture, and adjacent infrastructure (buildings,
roads, etc.).
Suitable to plant throughout the state.
Size at Maturity
Tree Height
Tree Spread
50'
50'
Wildlife Benefits
The willows are among the first plants to provide honey bees, after long winters, with nectar and pollen. Domestic grazing animals browse
in willow thickets. Elk and beaver browse on willow leaves in the summer and willow twigs in the winter.
Additional Considerations
Another willow species well suited to the state is the laurel willow.
Interesting Facts
The ancient Greeks knew the therapeutic values of willow. Tea made from willow bark was used for stiff joints and rheumatic pains. By the
1840’s, chemists had isolated salicylic acid from willow and found it produced marked antipyretic (fever-reducing) and analgesic
(pain-killing) effects and “striking relief of acute articular rheumatism.” Modern aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) is a synthetic
product. Salicylic acid got its name from Salix.