Welcome To Vineland Research and Innovation Centre

Salix nigra

Black Willow

Tree Characteristics

Leaves:

Deciduous

Height:

9 - 18m

Width:

9 - 18m

Growth Rate:

Fast

Tree Tolerances

Plant Hardiness Zone:

4, 5, 6

Shade Tolerance:

Full Sun

pH Tolerance:

Tolerant of acid to slightly alkaline soil (pH 5.0 to 7.5)

Drought Tolerance:

Low

Flooding Tolerance:

High

Salt Spray Tolerance:

Unknown

Soil Salt Tolerance:

Unknown

Planting site and Native Range

Planting Site:

Naturalization, Parks, Highway, Residential

Native to Ontario:

Yes

Native to North America:

Yes

Insects and Diseases

Just like Poplar (Populus) species, Willows (Salix) are also affected by many pests and diseases. Some of these pests and diseases include canker, blight, aphids, scale, borers, etc. Although there are many pests and diseases, this species makes an excellent specimen tree in wet areas where most trees have difficulty growing.

Management Notes

  • Susceptible to storm breakage
  • Shallow, aggressively spreading and suckering root system can cause problems for infrastructure