Black willow

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Salix nigra
BLACK WILLOW

Salicaceae
E. North America

Location: map coordinates Z-7 (south of Facilities Building, south of Loop Road), N 39°11'2'' W 75°32'49''

Planting history: volunteer tree, in old aquaculture pond area.

Description:
  • medium-sized deciduous tree
  • etymology: Salix = the Latin name; nigra = black
  • the common and scientific names refer to the bark which is grey-brown, nearly black
  • leaves 3”-6” long, narrow, alternate, finely toothed (serrulate)
  • dioecious (separate male and female plants); flowers inconspicuous, in catkins
  • used in traditional medicines; bark contains aspirin-like salicin (aspirin is acetyl-salicylic acid; and salicylic acid is derived from salicin. Salicylic acid is named after the willow genus, Salix)
  • native habitat along streams, swamps

Native species, State Rank S5 (very common in Delaware)

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