Plant types

Plant styles

Planting conditions

Seasonal interest

Nurseries & Gardens

Photo by Bruce Marlin

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Salix nigra

Also Known As

Black Willow

Plant type

tree, shrub, perennial, aquatic

size

H: 10'-60'
W: 15'

planting zones

2a-8b

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Salix nigra plant details

Salix nigra is a broadleaf deciduous perennial aquatic shrub or tree with green foliage. In spring green and yellow flowers emerge. Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun - shade and even moisture water. A good option if you're seeking something for erosion control and verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Salix nigra

Plant type: perennial aquatic shrub or tree
Plant family: salicaceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 15 FT wide, 10 FT - 60 FT - tall
Flowers: green and yellow blooms in spring

GROWING CONDITIONS for Salix nigra

USDA Zones: 2a - 8b
Sun exposure: sun - shade
Watering frequency: even moisture
Resistant to: erosion and verticillium wilt

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

This elegant large (40-70') tree native to N.America has deeply fissured bark of such a dark-brown that it's called black; it will make a nice tree to picnic under! Sun/Med-Wet

By: Forestfarm

A small to medium tree, variable based often on moisture, Native to most of the East Coast found on riversides and stream banks flowering with catkins from mid-April to early May. Leaves start to emerge while the plant is flowering. Plants are not sexed. It is the largest of the Native willows. Superb for stabilizing eroding moist banks along rivers, streams or in flood areas. 5" narrow leaves are green on top and underneath. Browsed by deer but grows so fast they can't keep up! Larval Host for Mourning Cloak, Viceroy, Red-spotted Purple, Viceroy and Tiger Swallowtail.