Black Willow

Black willows won’t win an arboreal beauty contest but they’ve helped humans since ancient times, when Greeks discovered their inner bark could be used to treat pain, fever and other problems. Fast forward to modern times when chemists unraveled the secret and eventually created acetylsalicylic acid — aspirin — and inspired the name “Salix.” Even if you don’t use aspirin, you may own boxes, toys and other products made from the tree’s light wood.

Black willows do not mind getting their “feet wet” so you’ll often find them in wetlands, such as the area in front of you.  Black willow trees require a continuous source of moisture as well as ample sunlight to fuel their rapid growth, which typically tops out at 30 to 60 feet. Some of the black willows in the distance exceed 60 feet.  Can you pick them out? 

More information: Black Willow Plant Fact Sheet (usda.gov)