Plant of the Month: August, 2000

by Russell Stevens

Characteristics: Black willow is a deciduous native perennial tree. It is medium sized, reaching 50 feet. Specimens 100 feet tall are not uncommon from eastern Oklahoma and Texas eastward. Black willow prefers wet soils and occurs in flood plains, near springs, and on the banks of streams, lakes and ponds. The leaves, which turn yellow in autumn, are 3 to 5 inches long and narrowly lance-shaped with finely saw-toothed margins (edges). Male and female flowers occur on separate trees. Male flowers are yellow, and the seeds are tiny with many cottonlike hairs. The twigs are hairless, and the young branches and stems are usually brown, sometimes red. The bark is dark brown or blackish and deeply furrowed into scaly forking ridges.

Area of Importance: Throughout most of Oklahoma and Texas.

Attributes: Willow bark is a favorite food of beaver and was also once used as a source of charcoal for gunpowder. Small animals such as rabbits and squirrels eat the buds in the spring. Reportedly, deer browse on the tender vegetative parts. The wood is used for furniture, baskets, wickerwork, cabinets and baseball bats. The flowers are a source for honey. The plants help reduce erosion along stream banks.

I.D. Tip: Look in wet areas for trees that may be leaning or upright with irregular narrow to spreading crowns with upright branches. Look for long leaves (3 to 5 inches) that have finely saw-toothed margins and turn yellow in autumn. Catkins (flowers) are drooping, yellow, and borne in the spring. Seed detach in July and float with air currents.

Click photos to enlarge:
      

Hundreds of plants are identified in the Noble Foundation Plant Image Gallery.