Black Willow

(Salix nigra)

Other Names:
American willow, Brittle willow, rough American willow, scythe-leaf willow, scythe-leaved, southwestern black, swamp willow, tall black willow, Texas black willow, western black willow

Range:


Family:
Salicaceae – Willow family

Growth Type:
Deciduous woody tree.

Height:
Salix nigra is the largest of the willow species. UNder the right circumstances it can reach heights up to 100 ft tall.

Leaves:
The leaves are alternately arranged. The long, thin leaves grow to be 2-6 inches long and 1/4 tp 3/4 inches wide. They are dark shiny green on the top, and may be the same color underneath, but I typically see them with slightly lighter undersides. The margins are finely serrated. They have a short petiole and a pair of small stipules. Stipules are small outgrowths at the base of the petiole, leaf stem. They are thought to be protection for the leaf.

Stem/Trunk:
The common name of black willow comes from the dark brown to blackish colored bark. The bark of older trees becomes fissured. These fissures often fork near the base.

Root:
The roots of all species are extremely flexible and strong.

Flower Season:
Early Spring

Flower Appearance:
Small greenish to yellow catkins approximately 1 to 3 inches long.

Seed/Fruit:
The catkins ripen into a small 3/16 inch capsule that, when mature, splits open to relase numerous small down covered seeds.

Miscellaneous characteristics:
Black willows are native to the Americas. They are also the most common willow species in Michigan.

Habitat:
Moist soils of swamps, dense woods, stream banks, or yards.

Parts Used:
Buds, catkins, Inner bark of trunk, root, or twigs.

Culinary Uses:
While not great tasting, the buds are edible when they emerge. So too is the inner bark. Both can be eaten raw, or as a cooked vegetable. These should only be considered a survival food.

The following text is meant for informational purposes only. It is not meant to diagnose or treat any illness or injury. Always consult with a physician or other qualified medical care provider concerning the diagnosis and treatment of any illness or injury.

Medicinal Uses:
Salix spp., contain salicylic acid, the forerunner of modern aspirin. A pain-relieving tea can be brewed from the inner bark of the willow. The caveat I would offer about Salix species, is that the Salicylate levels can vary greatly from species to species, as well as from individual to individual within the same species. If you find a tree that works well for you, keep using it. If at first you do not succeed, keep trying until you find one with enough salicin to alleviate your symptoms.

Medicinal Actions:
Analgesic, Antiarthritic, Anti-Inflammatory, Febrifuge, Odontalgic, Stomachic