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