Black Willow

Salix nigra

Salicaceae (Willow Family)

▲ trees along river

▲ young tree in drainage ditch

▲ leaves

▲ trunk and bark

Location on or near Missouri State University campus:  drainage area between parking lots at Darr Agricultural Center; along pond at Close Park at Botanical Center

Salix nigra:  Black Willow

·         Has non-weeping branches with reddish-brown, slender twigs

·         Leaves deciduous, alternate, linear to lanceolate, green to yellow-green, alternate, 2-6” long and 0.25-0.75 inches wide

·         Has dark brown to black furrowed bark, sometimes peeling in vertical strips with age

·         Grows 30-60’ tall

·         Is dioecious, and may have good yellow fall color

·         Native to Missouri, often seen growing along streams, waterways, in wetter soils