Salix nigra (Black Willow)

Black Willow is a fast-growing tree, often multi-trunk, found in wet soil along streams or any water’s edge. It stays smaller in drier soils.  Black Willow is a structurally weak shade tree, but excellent for erosion control. It is also a honey plant. The young stems are very flexible and are used in basket and furniture making. Its bark was used by native peoples and early settlers as a headache remedy because it contains salicylic acid, the active ingredient of aspirin. AT A GLANCE Texas native Yes Water use High Sun exposure Sun to part sun Mature height 10-60 ft Mature spread 20-40 ft Attracts Butterflies, bees, birds Host plant Mourning Cloak, Viceroy, Red-spotted Purple, Viceroy and Tiger Swallowtail. Notes Native bee and bumble bee friendly. Attracts beneficial insects. DISTRIBUTION MAPS  USDA MAP BONAP MAP  Present in state  Present in county and native  Native to North America, but adventive & escaped in state           Not present in state  Present and rare, native in county  Previously present, now extinct  Questionable presence (cross-hatched, regardless of color)