Salix nigra, commonly called black willow, is a medium-to-large, fast-growing, deciduous willow tree. It typically grows to 70-80’ tall on single or multiple curved trunks, typically 1-2' thick, topped by a spreading, rounded but sometimes irregular crown. It may soar to as much as 140’ tall in optimum growing conditions. It is native to moist to wet soils of floodplains, stream/river banks, swamps, marshes, sloughs, and ponds in the U. S. from Maine to Minnesota south to Colorado, Texas, and Florida and in Canada from New Brunswick to Manitoba. It is the largest of NC's willow species and grows nearly everywhere in the state, save for the high peaks of the Mountain region.

The black willow grows in consistently moist to wet soils in full sun to part shade. It is tolerant of many soil types so long as ample moisture is present. It is tolerant of flooding and silting. It has a shallow, spreading root system that is good for stabilizing soils and makes the tree an effective selection for erosion control. Soils should not be allowed to dry out. It prefers full sun. Avoid full shade. Prune as needed in late winter to early spring.