Name: Salix nigra	Description: Family:  Growth Form: Large tree with 1 or more trunks; usually straight and leaning. Stems: upright branches form narrow or irregular crown.  Leaves: Shiny, green abve, paler below; 3-5 inches long, narrowly lance-shaped, often curved to one side; pointed, with finely saw-toothed edges. Flower Arrangement: Appears at ends of twigs in spring. Flowers: Tiny, in compact clusters 1-3 inches long, with yellow, hairy scales. Petals: Stamens:  . Pistil:  Fruits: Reddish-brown capsule, 3/16-inch long.	Discussion: The largest and most important willow in North America, this species is found throughout the East. The wood is ued for furniture, toys, barrels, and pulpwood. Large Black Willows help prevent erosion along stream banks. A subspecies in the lower Mississippi Valley reaches 120 feet or more. This species usually reaches its maturity in late spring.
Image:	Location: Habitat: Wetland areas, along stream banks and lakeshores, and especially in floodplains; in pure stands or with cottonwood. Range: Great Lakes to Atlantic Coast, south through Mississippi Valley to Gulf Coast.	Waypoint:  N 38 degrees 34.755 minutes W 89 degrees 04.146 minutes Elevation 475 feet

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Photos courtesy: Odin Tech Prep Team 2004
Project courtesy: Grant Arnold, Deniz Hawley, Kristen Minor, Brian Deadmond

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