United States Department of Agriculture
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Willow, Black - S. nigra

Tree-type; A tall tree to 30 meters (100 feet) and round-topped; similar in many ways to Peachleaf willow; trunk is large, up to 1.8 meters (6 feet) in diameter; older bark is deeply furrowed and dark brown; branches generally slender and outspreading; younger shoots yellowish and slightly pubescent; leaves long to 15 centimeters (6 inches), narrow, and light green underneath; venation on the leaf somewhat pubescent; heart-shaped stipules; found along streams, marshes, swamps, lakes and ponds; native to the east and escaped or planted in the west. Generally found on the upper bank or floodplain; do not plant in the channel or bank-full width.

Field propagation by dormant unrooted hardwood cuttings is very successful. Large diameter dormant unrooted hardwood cuttings can readily be taken and used for revegetation projects. Cuttings with deeply furrowed bark have a lower establishment rate than younger smooth barked hardwood cuttings. Deeply furrowed bark hardwood cuttings should be wounded before planting to stimulate rooting up and down the stem.

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Last Modified: 07/05/2007