Maintenance Landscaping Design

Black willow is a plant that is native to North America. It is a deciduous tree that can grow up to 30 feet tall. The tree has dark brown or black bark and the leaves are long and narrow. The tree produces small, black seeds that are contained in a yellow, pod-like fruit.

Popular name

• Salix nigra
  
• Swamp willow
  
• Black willow
  
• Narrow-leaved willow
  
• Blackseed willow

Common Knowledge

• Black willow is a medium to large deciduous tree that can grow up to 30 m tall.
  
• It has a dark brown to black bark that is deeply fissured and scaly.
  
• The leaves are alternate, simple, and lanceolate, with a serrated margin. They are dark green above and paler below.
  
• The flowers are small, greenish-yellow, and borne in catkins.
  
• The fruit is a small, oval, woody capsule that contains two seeds.
  
• Black willow is native to North America, where it is found in damp habitats such as floodplains, swamps, and riverbanks.
  
• It is a popular choice for landscaping and is often used in riparian restoration projects.
  
• Black willow is a pioneer species, meaning it is one of the first trees to colonize disturbed or bare habitats.
  
• It is also a valuable source of food and shelter for wildlife.
  
• Black willow is considered to be an important species in the fight against climate change due to its ability to sequester carbon.

Related plant:
Buddleja Black Knight

Growing Steps

1. For black willow, first step is to choose the right location.
   
2. Black willow prefers full sun to partial shade and moist to wet soils.
   
3. Avoid locations that are too windy or have poor drainage.
   
4. Prepare the planting site by clearing away any debris and loosening the soil.
   
5. Dig a hole that is twice as wide and just as deep as the root ball of the tree.
   
6. Place the tree in the hole and backfill with the excavated soil.
   
7. Tamp down the soil gently to remove any air pockets.
   
8. Water the tree thoroughly immediately after planting.
   
9. Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the tree, but not directly against the trunk.
   
10. Water regularly during the first growing season to keep the soil moist.

Related plant:
Blackthorn Tree

Considering the Soil

About soil condition, black willow prefers wet to moist soils, and is therefore commonly found near streams, rivers, and other water sources. It is not particularly picky about soil type, but does seem to do best in soils that are high in organic matter.

Light condition

So, like the other trees, the black willow needs sun to grow. However, it can also tolerate partial shade. This tree usually grows in moist areas, such as near streams, lakes, and rivers. The black willow can also be found in swamps and floodplains.

Good Temperature

The temperature condition of the black willow is conducive to the growth of the tree. The tree is able to grow in a wide range of temperatures, from hot to cold. This is due to the fact that the black willow is a deciduous tree, which means that it loses its leaves in the winter.

Humidity Aspect

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 60%-70%. The plant wants to be constantly moist, but not soggy or wet. Water the plant when the top of the soil is dry to the touch. Over-watering can lead to root-rot.

Fertilizing

Mentioning fertilizer, this family of plant requires little attention in terms of fertilizer. If the plant is grown in good quality, nutrient-rich soil, it will not need any fertilizer. In fact, too much fertilizer can kill the plant. The Black Willow's roots are very strong and can grow in many different types of soil. They can even grow in wet, marshy areas.

About light

Pruning black willow is best done in the late winter or early spring before new growth appears. Cut back any dead or diseased branches, and remove any crossing or rubbing branches. Thin out the canopy to allow light and air to reach the inner branches. You can also prune to create a desired shape.

The Propagation

Propagation of black willow is typically done through rooting stem cuttings taken from young trees in late spring or early summer. The cuttings should be 4-6 inches long and taken from new growth that is not yet woody. Cuttings should be placed in a moist, shady location until they have rooted, at which point they can be transplanted to their permanent location.

Plant Growth

Usually, the plant growth rate studies have been done on trees in the southwestern United States, where the species is more common. In one study, the average annual height growth rate of black willows in a riparian area in Arizona was found to be about 36 cm (14 in). In another study in Arizona, the average annual diameter growth rate of black willows was about 2.4 cm (0.9 in). The growth rates of black willows in other parts of their range are not well documented.

Common Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant trees are root rot, canker diseases, and insect infestations. Root rot is caused by a fungus that attacks the roots of the tree, causing them to rot. Canker diseases are caused by fungi or bacteria that infect the tree's bark, causing it to rot. Insect infestations can be caused by a variety of insects, including aphids, caterpillars, and scale insects.

Tips on Growing

• If you are growing black willow in your garden, make sure to provide it with plenty of sunlight.
  
• Black willow prefers soil that is moist but well-drained.
  
• Amend the soil with organic matter prior to planting.
  
• Space plants at least 10 feet apart to give them room to grow.
  
• Water plants regularly, especially during dry periods.
  
• Fertilize black willow twice a year, in spring and fall, with a balanced fertilizer.
  
• Prune black willow in late winter or early spring to encourage new growth.
  
• Black willow is susceptible to a number of pests and diseases, so be sure to monitor your plants closely and take action if necessary.
  
• Harvest black willow bark in the spring or fall.
  
• Enjoy the beauty of black willow in your garden!

Substitution

• Water willow, justicia americana, jamaican-water-willow, flower-willow, false jacuba, black willow
  
• Red willow, cephalanthus occidentalis, buttonbush, riverbush, river-willow
  
• Witch hazel, witch-hazel, common witchhazel, pilgrim's-bouquet, wych hazel, wych-hazel, wych-wazel, alanthus, yellow witch hazel, snapping hazel, striped alder, winterbloom
  
• Black mangrove, Avicennia germinans, begum tree
  
• Slender-leaved willow, Salix exigua, meadow willow, tree willow
  
• Black hawthorn, (crataegus douglasii), blackthorn, douglas hawthorn, Douglas-

Source:
ID That Tree: Black Willow - Purdue Extension Forestry & Natural Resources
Plant Details :: Black willow - California State University San Marcos
Salix nigra Marsh - University of Oklahoma