Common Names
Black willow, pussy willow, swamp willow, willow.

Description
A tree that often grows to 40 feet in height, but may reach 100 to 120 feet. Leaves are very narrow, 3 to 6 inches long and up to ¾ inch wide, sharp-pointed, finely toothed, short stemmed. Twigs are slender, reddish brown, and usually brittle. Produces male and female flowers in separate catkins; male catkins are 1 to 2 inches long and the female 1 ½ to 3 inches long.

Flowering Period
April to June.

Habitat
Banks of streams, lake shores, and in rich, low woods.

Harvest
Strip bark with buds from 2- or 3-year-old branches in spring.

Uses
The buds and bark are used for the same purposes as those of S. alba.