How much water does Salix nigra need?

Black willow grows best in consistently wet to moist soil and is often found along riverbanks, floodplains, and pond edges. It does not tolerate prolonged drought well.

What light conditions does Salix nigra prefer?

This tree grows best in full sun but can tolerate part sun and part shade, especially when young or growing along shaded stream banks.

When does Salix nigra bloom?

Black willow produces catkins in April and May, typically before or as the leaves emerge.

What pollinators visit Salix nigra?

The catkins attract bees, beetles, and flies, which feed on the pollen and nectar produced by the flowers.

Is Salix nigra deciduous or evergreen?

Black willow is deciduous, dropping its narrow lance shaped leaves each fall.

Is Black Willow toxic to livestock?

The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Black Willow as toxic to livestock.

Is Black Willow HOA-friendly?

Black Willow takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Black Willow

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Salix nigra

Last reviewed: October 2026

Salix nigra is a fast growing streamside tree that thrives in full sun and wet soil, blooming with slender yellow-green catkins in April and May.

Toxicity unknown

Black Willow (Salix nigra) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Black Willow as toxic to livestock.

Light

full sun

Water

high

Size

120"–720" H × 120"–720" W

Bloom

Apr, May

Native to

AL, AR, CT, DE and 31 more states

Pollinators

bees, beetles, flies, butterflies

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Black willow is a fast-growing native tree that naturally occurs along streams and wetlands. This large tree produces early spring catkins and has graceful, drooping branches with narrow leaves that flutter in the breeze.

Growing Black Willow

Grow Black Willow in full sun and high water. Mature plants reach 120 to 720 inches tall and spread 120 to 720 inches wide. Expect high maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

Black Willow takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: high. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Extremely large size inappropriate for most residential lots
Fast growth creates maintenance issues
Weeping branches can appear unkempt to HOAs

Wildlife value

Host plant for viceroy butterfly, mourning cloak butterfly.

The early spring blooms provide crucial nectar for bees, beetles, and flies when few other flowers are available. The tree also hosts numerous butterfly and moth caterpillars and provides nesting sites for birds.

Common questions

How much water does Salix nigra need?: Black willow grows best in consistently wet to moist soil and is often found along riverbanks, floodplains, and pond edges. It does not tolerate prolonged drought well.
What light conditions does Salix nigra prefer?: This tree grows best in full sun but can tolerate part sun and part shade, especially when young or growing along shaded stream banks.
When does Salix nigra bloom?: Black willow produces catkins in April and May, typically before or as the leaves emerge.
What pollinators visit Salix nigra?: The catkins attract bees, beetles, and flies, which feed on the pollen and nectar produced by the flowers.
Is Salix nigra deciduous or evergreen?: Black willow is deciduous, dropping its narrow lance shaped leaves each fall.
Is Black Willow toxic to livestock?: The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Black Willow as toxic to livestock.
Is Black Willow HOA-friendly?: Black Willow takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.

Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

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