black willow
Salix nigra
USDA zones4 to 9
SunHandles full sun to full shade
WaterHandles moderate to wet soil
Size30 to 60 feet tall30 to 60 feet wide
- Growth rate
- Rapid
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer, autumn, winter
- Bloom color
- Yellowish-green
- Foliage color
- Green
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay
- Soil pH
- Acid, alkaline, neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Black willow (Salix nigra) is a fast-growing tree for rain gardens, shade gardens, and pollinator gardens. It is hardy to USDA zone 4, or down to -30°F (-34°C). This plant likes full sun to full shade and average to wet, sandy, loamy, or clay soil. Its roots bind soil on banks, which helps prevent erosion. Deer tend to browse other plants first. Give it plenty of room because it grows large.
Pairs well with Black gum, Cinnamon fern, Inkberry, and Jewelweed.
Native range
North America.