Trees of Alabama and the Southeast Home Page

Leaves are simple, alternate, deciduous, lanceolate, about 6 inches long with finely toothed margins and red glands on margin teeth. Twigs are yellow-brown to red-brown, thin and smooth. Bark is dark brown and ridged with prominent loose plates. Fruit is a capsule borne on female trees. Black willow is found next to streams and in wet areas in the east and central U.S. and is intolerant of shade.  The soft wood is used for pulpwood, boxes, baskets and wicker furniture.  In the past, the bark and leaves were used to make aspirin.  The bark is eaten by beaver and rabbits.

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All text and photographs are intended for educational purposes only and are not for commercial use in any form.  All photographs are copyrighted by the named photographer(s), text copyright by Lisa Samuelson. © 2005, all rights reserved. Photographs by Mike Hogan.