Salix nigra
Black Willow is a moisture-loving keystone native tree anchor-rooted along Hill Country creeks, river banks, and permanent seeps. Rich in salicin—the natural precursor to modern aspirin historically harvested from its bark by Native Americans for pain relief—it plays a vital physical role in riparian stabilization, anchoring stream banks against flash floods and filtering runoff. In early spring, its sweeping branches produce yellow catkins that offer an indispensable first nectar and pollen source for emerging native bees. Its soft foliage sustains larvae of Viceroy, Mourning Cloak, and Red-Spotted Purple butterflies, while its canopy shades aquatic habitats.
Height: 15-40 ft.
Spread: 15-30 ft.
Foliage: Deciduous
Growth Rate: Moderate
Water Need: High
Sun Need: Part Sun, Full Sun
Substrate / Soil: Limestone, Loam, Gravelly
Bloom Season: Mar, Apr
This species serves as an essential host plant for caterpillar larvae of: Mourning Cloak, Viceroy, Red-Spotted Purple.
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