Leaves- This trees' leaves are placedThe black willow like all willows loves water. This tree can be found in swamps that are so damp that only the red maple can put up with the wet, soggy, conditions as well as a black willow.The Black Willow
Unlike most willows this tree grows fairly tall and straight.
The black willow is found in soggy and wet areas. It prefers organic muck rather than thick and heavy clay.
Tree Description
alternately
on the twigs. The leaves are narrow and lance shaped, and are
very long - pointed. In winter the leaves turn yellow.
Twigs- The twigs of this tree are slender, smooth, brittle, and droop. They are a bright reddish-brown to orange in color.
Bark- The bark is rough and thick and is a blackish - brown in color. It has plates and wide ridges.
Fruit- The fruit of this tree is small reddish - brown capsules. They are found hanging in long clusters. Each cluster holds many tiny seeds. Each seed is covered by a cluster of silky long hairs.
Patowatomi Indians made a scarlet dye from the roots of the black willow. A tea could be brewed from black willow bark and roots. This tea was used by pioneers for a substitute for quinine. Today willow charcoal is used greatly in the making of manufactured gunpowder.
Any kind of willow wood is weak, light, and soft. It is highly resistant to splitting and splintering. Willow wood is used for making crates and charcoal. It is also used to make artificial limbs.
This page was created by the Osseo-Fairchild sixth grade students supported
by a Cluster A Goals 2000 Grant
Created 4/8/1999 Updated 4/8/1999
sdp
You may contact us at: spoore@mail.ofsd.k12.wi.us
