The Black Willow is a willow species that originated in North America. It is the largest North American willow, and it is usually relatively small compared to other trees. But under ideal conditions, it can grow to be forty five meters in height, and have trunks that can be as thick as eighty centimetres in diameter.

It is a deciduous tree that is easily the most useful of willow, to humans and animals alike. They are extremely sun-loving trees, and are usually the first to be established on sand bars. These trees are the only species of willow to grow to commercial size.

Appearance

Most Black Willow trees have a very dark bark, ranging in colour from black to brown. This dark colour lightens towards the shoots, however, which tend to be brown, green, yellow or even purplish sometimes. They are brittle and break quite easily when bent.

These trees are dioecious, which means that flowers appear just about the same time as new leaves do, which is generally in early spring. The male and female reproductive parts of willow trees are found on separate trees. The female flower hangs in graceful clusters, allowing for easy fertilisation.

Flowers of this type of tree are called catkins. They are yellow in colour and can be up to three inches in length. The fruit is contained in a small capsule which is reddish brown. The fruit, when mature, splits open and releases numerous tiny, green, down-covered seeds that are then pollinated, mainly by insects such as bees and butterflies, but they are also pollinated by wind and water. Black Willow trees are often found in swamps and along streams. They are often called swamp willows.

Uses

Of all the species of willow, the Black Willow is the one that people have found many varied uses for, both in the past and in present day.

Years ago, the roots of the tree were used in place of quinine as they are very bitter. The wood of these trees has no taste or odour. The wood is weak and can be bent and crushed, has a uniform texture, but does not splinter when hit. This flexibility that it offers has been used in the production of wicker-work furniture and baskets. Toys were made from the wood of these trees before plastic came into being.

In modern day it is used to make packing cases and even artificial limbs. It is a popular wood used in the manufacture of furniture due to the warm brown tone of the wood and the attractive grain. It is particularly useful as panelling wood due to its beauty.

Black Willow gives homes and cover for several small mammals and birds, and is a good source of cavities for animals such as raccoons, woodpeckers and others.

This tree even helps stop erosion when it is planted as a shade tree along shores. As if that wasn't enough, it helps reduce pollution as its roots intercept any nutrients that may run off farm fields, thus making sure they don't get into any water bodies and cause harm.