Black willow is a native tree that can tolerate very wet sites. It is fast growing, but may live for only 40 or 50 years. Its wood is brittle and the tree may require regular pruning.
This species is native to the Chicago region according to Swink and Wilhelm’s Plants of the Chicago Region, with updates made according to current research.
- Family (English) Willow
- Family (botanic) Salicaceae
- Planting site Residential and parks
- Tree or plant type Tree
- Foliage Deciduous (seasonally loses leaves)
- Native locale Chicago area, Illinois, North America
- Size range Medium tree (25-40 feet), Large tree (more than 40 feet)
- Mature height 30-60 feet
- Mature width 30-60 feet
- Light exposure Full sun (6 hrs direct light daily), Partial sun / shade (4-6 hrs light daily)
- Hardiness zones Zone 4, Zone 5 (Northern Illinois), Zone 6 (City of Chicago), Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9
- Soil preference Moist, well-drained soil, Wet soil
- Drought tolerance Sensitive
- Other tolerances Alkaline soil, clay soil, Occasional flooding, Road salt, Wet sites
- Season of interest early fall
- Flower color and fragrance Inconspicuous
- Shape or form Oval
- Growth rate Fast
- Transplants well Yes
- Planting considerations Excessive sucker growth, Highly susceptible to ice damage, Roots prone to invading sewer pipes, Weak wood and branch structure
- Wildlife Browsers, Insect pollinators, Nesting birds
- Has cultivars Yes
