Southwestern black willow – description, flowering period and general distribution in Illinois. Dense thickets, the general plan

Southwestern black willow – description, flowering period and general distribution in Illinois. Earrings and green leaves on a branch

Southwestern black willow – description, flowering period and general distribution in Illinois. On a branch earrings and green leaves on a background of the river

Southwestern black willow – description, flowering period and general distribution in Illinois. Plant in summer

Southwestern black willow – description, flowering period and general distribution in Illinois. Green leaves on a tree, summer

Southwestern black willow – description, flowering period and general distribution in Illinois. Trunk close up.

Common name:

Southwestern black willow

Scientific name:

Salix nigra.

Other common name(s):

Black willow, Swamp willow, Southwestern black willow, Gulf black willow, Scythe-leaved willow.

Life form:

Tree, Shrub.

Flowering time:

no data.

Flowering period

in Illinois for this plant is: March ↔ May.

NECTAR PRODUCTION:

No data

SOURCE FOR HONEY BEES:

Minor

General distribution:

Black willow is found throughout the eastern United States, adjacent parts of Canada, and Mexico. Its range extends west from southern New Brunswick and central Maine to Quebec, southern Ontario, central Michigan, southeastern Minnesota, and eastern North Dakota. It occurs south and west to the Rio Grande just below its confluence with the Pecos River; and east along the Gulf Coast through the Florida Panhandle and southern Georgia. Black willow has been introduced in Utah where it is now common along many stream bottoms.

Map of distribution and habitat in USA

This plant is present in at least 41 states/provinces in this country.

See The Map

Botanical description:

Black willow is a small (sometimes shrublike) to large, short-lived, deciduous tree. It is fast-growing and may reach maturity within 30 years. This tree usually obtains a height of 66 feet (20 m) but can grow up to 138 feet (42 m) on some sites. The massive trunks are usually leaning and are often divided. The bark is thick and deeply divided into furrows separating thick, scaly ridges. The crown is broad and open with stout branches. Twigs are slender and easily detached. Leaf-blades are variable in size, the larger to 4.7 inches (12 cm) long. Black willow roots are shallow and laterally extensive.

Seasonal development:

Black willow flowering begins in February in the southern portion of its range and extends through late June at the northern limits. The catkins usually appear at the time of or immediately preceding leaf emergence. Seeds ripen and fall in April to July.

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List of honey plants that may be blooming now in Illinois

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