Illinois Native Plant Guide

Black Willow
Salix nigra

Preferred Water Depth and Inundation Tolerance

Natural floodplain species. Species tolerates periodic inundation with up to 2 feet of water for short durations.

Wildlife Value

Provides nesting habitat for birds. Serves as a food source for morning cloak butterfly, songbirds, waterfowl, woodpeckers, beaver, squirrel, and deer.

Application/Zone

Used in upper shoreline zones and for streambank stabilization.

Availability, Establishment, and Maintenance

• Root by cuttings. Spreads by suckers.
• Has rapid growth rate, 3 to 6 feet per year.

Black Willow
Salix nigra

Mature Height
Up to 90 feet

Plant Type
Deciduous tree

Indicator Status
Obligate

pH
6.0-8.0

Nutrient Load Tolerance
Moderate to high

Salt Tolerance
Low

Siltation Tolerance
Moderate

Flowering Color and Time
Yellow-green
April to May

Light Preference
Full sun

Seeding Rate
Not applicable

The following document requires Adobe Acrobat Reader: 
npg_p126-127.pdf [PDF]

<Back to Plant Guide Index
<Back to Plant Guide Table of Contents