Can I plant this near my house?

No, the roots are very invasive and can damage foundations and plumbing.

Does it need a lot of water?

Yes, it thrives in wet soil and is perfect for areas prone to flooding.

Plant guide

Black willow.

Salix nigra

Pronounced SAY-liks NY-gruh

Also known as Black Willow, Dudley Willow, Goodding, swamp willow

Salix nigra — Photo by Linda Jo Conn (CC BY) via gbif

The black willow is a fast growing native tree that loves being near water. It features a rugged, dark bark and long, slender leaves that offer a classic look for wet landscapes. You will find it naturally thriving along riverbanks and in damp soil.

Another photo of Black willow — Photo by Douglas Goldman (CC BY-SA) via iNaturalist

At a glance

Care level: Easy
Plant type: Deciduous tree
Light: Full sun
Indoor light: Direct sun
Water: Every 1 to 3 days
Mature size: 30 to 60 feet
Growth rate: Fast
Hardiness: USDA 4 to 9
Bloom time: Early to mid spring

Care

Plant this tree in a spot with consistently moist soil to keep it happy. Watch for signs of pests like aphids or beetles on the foliage. Prune away any dead or damaged branches during the dormant season to maintain its shape.

Watering: Keep the soil consistently wet as this tree does not tolerate drought.
Feeding: Apply a balanced fertilizer once in early spring to support vigorous growth.
Pruning: Trim during late winter while the tree is dormant to remove crossing or weak branches.
Repotting: This tree is best suited for the ground, but if kept in a container, move it to a larger pot every few years.
Soil: Moist, wet, or poorly drained soil
Soil pH: Acidic to neutral
Temperature: -35 to 35°C
Humidity: 50 to 90%
Drought tolerance: Low
Lifespan: Perennial, typically 40 to 60 years.
Deer and rabbits: Low

Safety

People: The plant is generally not toxic, but the bark contains compounds that act similarly to aspirin.
Pets: The bark and leaves contain salicin, which can be toxic to cats and dogs if ingested.
Children: The long, flexible branches are tempting for children to climb, but they can be brittle and prone to breaking.
Contact allergens: The bark and leaves can cause mild skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
Airborne allergens: The windborne pollen can be a significant allergen for some people during the spring.
Edibility: The bark contains salicin which can cause reactions in people sensitive to aspirin.

How to identify it

Dark, deeply furrowed bark
Long, narrow, lance shaped leaves
Yellowish green catkins in spring
Flexible, slender, drooping branches

Height: 10 to 30m
Spread: 6 to 15m
Leaves: green, yellow, deciduous
Flowers: yellow, green, 2 to 8cm
Fruit: brown, Late spring

Problems to watch for

Willow leaf beetle · These beetles feed on the foliage and can cause significant defoliation.
Black canker · A fungal infection that causes dark, sunken lesions on the branches.

By symptom

Plant problems by symptom

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Growing it

Propagation: cuttings, seed
When to plant: spring, autumn
Overwintering: No special winter care is needed as it is fully hardy in its native range. Just ensure the soil remains moist if the winter is particularly dry.
In containers: This tree is not suitable for containers due to its massive size and aggressive root system.

Hardwood cuttings

1. Take a cutting from a healthy dormant branch in late winter.
2. Place the cutting directly into moist soil or a container of water.
3. Keep the cutting consistently wet until roots develop.

Group this tree with other moisture loving plants to create a functional rain garden.

Grows well with

Buttonbush · They both thrive in the same wet soil conditions.
Red Osier Dogwood · This shrub provides a nice color contrast and shares similar water needs.

Similar species

Peachleaf Willow · It has similar foliage but is generally smaller.

Science

Family: Salicaceae
Genus: Salix
Order: Malpighiales
Class: Magnoliopsida
Native range: Eastern and central North America.
Conservation: It is not currently listed as endangered or threatened.

It grows rapidly in moist, riparian habitats where its extensive root system prevents soil erosion.

Value to wildlife: larval host plant, early nectar source, nesting habitat
Pollinators: bees, butterflies, beetles
Uses: erosion control, basketry, wildlife habitat, ornamental shade

Through the year

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Flowering

Fruiting

Foliage

Ecological indicators

Salinity: 2/9
Soil reaction: 6/9
Light: 8/9
Temperature: 5/9
Moisture: 9/9
Nutrients: 6/9

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

Can I plant this near my house?: No, the roots are very invasive and can damage foundations and plumbing.
Does it need a lot of water?: Yes, it thrives in wet soil and is perfect for areas prone to flooding.

Where the name comes from

The specific epithet nigra refers to the dark, furrowed bark of mature trees, while Salix is the ancient Latin name for willow.

Good to know

The wood is surprisingly lightweight and is often used for making artificial limbs.
It is one of the first trees to leaf out in the spring.
The roots are incredibly aggressive and will seek out water sources like pipes.
Native Americans used the bark to create medicinal teas for pain relief.

Also in

Plants toxic to cats and dogs

Keep your black willow growing

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This guide was generated with AI on October 19, 2026 and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.