Black Willow
Salix nigra
Last reviewed: June 2026
Black Willow is a fast-growing deciduous tree native to wetlands across eastern and central North America. It blooms in April and May, providing important early season nectar for bees, beetles, and flies.
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Black Willow as toxic to livestock.
Light
full sun
Water
high
Size
360"–1200" H × 240"–480" W
Bloom
Apr, May
Native to
AL, AR, CT, DE and 31 more states
Pollinators
bees, beetles, flies
Browse plants for this ecoregion
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 360 to 1200 inches tall and spread 240 to 480 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
- Where does Black Willow naturally grow?
- Black Willow is native to much of eastern and central North America, from Maine south to Florida and west to Texas, New Mexico, and Minnesota. It naturally occurs along streams, rivers, floodplains, and other wet areas.
- When does Black Willow bloom?
- Black Willow blooms in April and May, producing small catkins before or as the leaves emerge. The timing may vary slightly depending on local climate conditions.
- What pollinators visit Black Willow?
- Black Willow flowers attract bees, beetles, and flies. The early spring bloom timing makes it particularly valuable for providing nectar when few other plants are flowering.
- What growing conditions does Black Willow prefer?
- Black Willow thrives in full sun to partial sun and requires consistently moist to wet soil. It is commonly found along waterways and tolerates periodic flooding, making it excellent for rain gardens and streambank stabilization.
- 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.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Black Willow? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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