Salicaceae - Willow Family
"A Year With the Trees" - Tree Number 85
Black Willow Tree
Salix nigra
A good ID tip for this tree is the leaves. This tree has very long and slender leaves. The green leaves have fine teeth and are hairless on both sides.
The leaves of this tree are described as:
I have heard of some beautiful baskets made from the bark and twigs of this tree. I hope to find one and even learn how to make a basket from a Black Willow tree.
The bark has been used to make tea for centuries to cure headaches, fevers, intestinal ailments, and even as a wash to stimulate hair growth. Leaves have been used as poultices for sprains, bruises and sores.The twigs are usually bright yellow, the bark can become furrowed at a fairly young age, deeply furrowed with age. Often there are multiple trunks.
A Local Legacy
How old do trees live to be? There is a black willow tree in Marlboro, New Jersey, that is more than 150 years old. It started growing before the Civil War. Not only is the Marlboro Tree old, but it's also huge. It's 76 feet tall and over 19 feet in circumference (the measurement around the trunk of the tree). Five adults would have to hold hands to fully encircle the trunk. The Marlboro Tree is the largest black willow in New Jersey and the largest tree in Marlboro. In fact, the New Jersey Forest Service has certified it as a "State Champion" because of its size."
An interesting aside, since I am currently reading "Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince"
There is an old tree on the grounds of Hogwarts called the Whomping Willow. It was planted in order to conceal a passageway Lupin went through every full moon when he turned into a werewolf.
I love to walk by the river in West Asheville and look at all the Black Willow tree that grow by the river.
For the love of the trees,
Becky
"A Year With the Trees" - Tree Number 85
Black Willow Tree
Salix nigra
Spring
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| The Black Willow. Photo by Robert Priddy |
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| The Black Willow. Photo by Robert Priddy |
This Black Willow lives at Myakka River State Park in Florida. The leaves were just coming out iin early March when we took this photo.
Summer
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| Black Willow on the French Broad River in Asheville |
A good ID tip for this tree is the leaves. This tree has very long and slender leaves. The green leaves have fine teeth and are hairless on both sides.
The leaves of this tree are described as:
- narrow
- lance shaped
- often curved to one side
- pointed
- finely toothed
- alternate, simple
I have heard of some beautiful baskets made from the bark and twigs of this tree. I hope to find one and even learn how to make a basket from a Black Willow tree.
Fall
 |
| This tree lives in Mountain Home Arkansas at Cooper Park by the Historic village along a stream. |
 |
| This is a closer view of the interesting bark and leaves of Salix nigra, the Black Willow tree. |
Winter
The bark has been used to make tea for centuries to cure headaches, fevers, intestinal ailments, and even as a wash to stimulate hair growth. Leaves have been used as poultices for sprains, bruises and sores.The twigs are usually bright yellow, the bark can become furrowed at a fairly young age, deeply furrowed with age. Often there are multiple trunks.
The Champion Black Willow Trees
"The Marlboro Tree
The North Carolina champion tree lives in Bertie county, North Carolina at the Roanoke River National Wildlife refuge. It is 76 feet high with a circumference of 123 inches.
A Local Legacy
How old do trees live to be? There is a black willow tree in Marlboro, New Jersey, that is more than 150 years old. It started growing before the Civil War. Not only is the Marlboro Tree old, but it's also huge. It's 76 feet tall and over 19 feet in circumference (the measurement around the trunk of the tree). Five adults would have to hold hands to fully encircle the trunk. The Marlboro Tree is the largest black willow in New Jersey and the largest tree in Marlboro. In fact, the New Jersey Forest Service has certified it as a "State Champion" because of its size."
An interesting aside, since I am currently reading "Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince"
There is an old tree on the grounds of Hogwarts called the Whomping Willow. It was planted in order to conceal a passageway Lupin went through every full moon when he turned into a werewolf.
My favorite Black Willow Trees
I love to walk by the river in West Asheville and look at all the Black Willow tree that grow by the river.
Plant a Black Willow Treel
The flowers of the Black Willow tree attract birds and butterflies. It is a larval host for the beautiful Mourning cloak, Viceroy, Red-spotted Purple, Viceroy, Red-spotted Purple, Tiger Swallowtail, and Acadian Hairsteak butterflies.
If I lived near a stream, I would love to plant this amazing butterfly tree.
For the love of the trees,
Becky
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