The Black Willow, or salix nigra, is a beautiful tree commonly used in landscaping problem areas where soil moisture is so high that the cultivation of more mundane trees is precluded. It is a deciduous tree which usually attains a moderate height of between 10-30 meters. The bark of the black willow is deep brown to blackish in color with a fissured texture commonly found in older trees. The leaves are long and gracefully slender with finely serrated edges and a beautiful emerald hue. Black Willows are the perfect choice for any landscaping project which requires a very fast growing, medium sized tree for wet areas.
The tree can be found growing wild along streams and riverbanks, but much of its habitat has now been lost to development for housing and agriculture. This is unfortunate in the fact that not only does the black willow promote a healthy ecosystem by providing food and shelter to any number of wildlife species, it also possesses an excellent root system that is naturally designed to prevent soil erosion.
The tree is often cultivated solely as an ornamental to be used in landscaping and because of its graceful lines and flowing profile it can be used to accent practically any style chosen. The color of the leaves enhances, rather than overpowers the hues of other flowering plants, and the tree provides excellent cover for birds and other wildlife, making it the perfect choice as a place to hang a bird feeder. The tree bears delicate yellowish green flowers in spring which blossom about the same time as the new leaves appear. The fruit of the Black Willow is a tiny seed pod which will split open in fall and release its load of small downy seeds which are scattered by the wind.
The Black Willow can, at times, be found for sale in the landscaping department of chain home improvement stores, but for a better quality tree it is best to shop from a reputable online or mail order plant nursery. Plants raised and sold by professional nurseries are almost always of a better quality and more sturdy nature than those that can be bought in chain stores. The Black Willow can be found at www.tennesseewholesalenursery.com .
Disclaimer: All information on this site is provided for informational purposes only! By no means is any
information presented herein intended to substitute for the advice provided to you by any health care or other professional
or organization.
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