Black Willow

Botanical Name

:

Salix nigra

Plant Type

:

Deciduous shrub

Seasons

:

Plant in spring; blooms in mid to late spring

Sun Level

:

Full sun to partial shade

Ideal Soil Temperature for Planting

:

50–70°F (10–21°C)

Soil Type

:

Moist, well-draining soil; thrives in loamy, sandy, or clay soil

Hardiness Zones

:

4–8 (USDA)

Germination

:

Seeds germinate quickly, often within 24 hours in moist conditions

P.H. Level

:

Slightly acidic to neutral (5.5–7.5)

Water/Irrigation

:

Prefers wet or consistently moist soil

Fertilization

:

Generally not required, but benefits from compost or balanced fertilizer in poor soils

Habit

:

Fast-growing, irregular shape with spreading branches

Propagation

:

Easily propagated by cuttings. Also by seed, though less common

Final Plant Height

:

30–60 ft

Spread

:

15–30 ft

Flowers

:

Small, yellowish-green catkins appearing in early spring

Attracts

:

Pollinators like bees and butterflies; provides habitat for birds and small mammals

Uses

:

Erosion control, streambank stabilization, shade tree, basket weaving, traditional medicine

Companions

:

Red maple (Acer rubrum), swamp milkweed (Asclepias incarnata), and buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis)

Pruning

:

Best pruned in late winter or early spring to remove dead or damaged branches

Toxicity

:

Non-toxic to humans and pets

Pests

:

Susceptible to aphids, scale insects, and borers

Diseases

:

Can be affected by willow blight, powdery mildew, and cankers

Fun Fact

:

The bark of Black Willow contains salicin, a natural compound that was historically used to make aspirin