Black Willow Tree

Black willow is a deciduous tree that is famous for its irregular shape. It is the only species in the genus Salix to be found in North America and Europe. It can grow very fast, reaching up to 20 meters high (65 ft). The trunk diameter of this type of tree may vary between 60 cm (24 inches) and 2 m (6.5 ft). The bark is fairly thin, smooth, and dark grey or blackish. They are among the most common trees in the United Kingdom, particularly in Scotland where they outnumber native trees.

The Black Willow Tree Has Stunning Foliage

The leaves of willow are quite simple, with two types of leaf shoots on the same tree. They are slender and yellowish-green, about 2 to 5 centimeters (0.79 to 1.97 in) long, but they can reach up to 10 cm (3.9 in). The leaves grow at the base of the stem, which has small fine roots that help the tree to stand upright. The leaves are covered with fine hair along the stems and they can easily detach from the twig when touched.

The Black Willow Tree Has Flowers In Spring

They produce flowers in late winter or spring before the leaves appear on the trees. They grow in clusters of three to six, and they have a strong fragrance that is very noticeable. Willows are dioecious, which means that each tree has either male or female flowers. Male flowers have four stamens, while female ones only have two stamens and a three-carpel ovary. The fruit is very small, but it can be found in large amounts on the trees after pollination. It is achene, a small dry fruit with one seed inside. It can be red or yellow when ripe but it becomes dark brown soon after the pollination occurs. For this reason, willow flowers are mainly white to avoid being picked by animals that usually take the fruits with high nutritional value.

Why are black willow trees a good choice?

Black willow trees are mainly chosen because of their appearance. Their thin bark goes nicely with the silhouette of the tree and it contrasts well with other species that produce thicker barks. Another reason why people like these trees is that they grow fast; black willows can reach up to 20 meters high (65 ft) after only 20 years, which makes them suitable for smaller gardens. They are also used as ornamental trees as they produce a lot of flowers.