Quick answer: Black willow (Salix nigra) is native to 24 states. What's commonly sold under this name is the true wild species. It's typically live plant, verified 15 Sep 2026.
Photo: Bruce Marlin, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.5)
Where it's native
Listed in the directory as native to these states. Click a state for its full native-plant guide.
Growing conditions
From the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Native Plant Database.
| Sun | Sun, Part Shade, Shade |
|---|---|
| Water | High, Moist, Wet |
| Soil | Clay, loam, sand, stream banks/ditches/low ground |
| Bloom | Feb-Jul |
| Height | 10-60 ft (to 140 ft) |
| Wildlife value | Early-season food for songbirds/waterfowl, bark/twigs/buds feed deer/rabbits/beaver, larval host for Mourning Cloak/Viceroy/Tiger Swallowtail |
short-lived, fast-growing; susceptible to insect/wind damage
Buying it
Sold true to the wild species as of the last check (15 Sep 2026), via Amazon.
Sold as: Live plant via Amazon · listing verified 15 Sep 2026
See where to buy →Quick answers about Black willow
Where is Black willow native?
Black willow (Salix nigra) is native to 24 states across the Northeast, Midwest and South. Check your state's page in this directory for the full list of plants native where you live.
When does Black willow bloom?
Black willow blooms Feb-Jul. Exact timing shifts a few weeks with latitude and elevation.
What growing conditions does Black willow need?
Light: Sun, Part Shade, Shade. Water: High, Moist, Wet. Soil: Clay, loam, sand, stream banks/ditches/low ground. Mature height: 10-60 ft (to 140 ft).
Is Black willow good for pollinators and wildlife?
Yes. Wildlife value: Early-season food for songbirds/waterfowl, bark/twigs/buds feed deer/rabbits/beaver, larval host for Mourning Cloak/Viceroy/Tiger Swallowtail.
Is Black willow deer-resistant or drought-tolerant?
Black willow is tolerates shade and handles wet soil.
Where can I buy real Black willow seed or plants?
We found a listing sold as live plant that names the true species, last checked 15 Sep 2026. Look for the scientific name Salix nigra on any listing.
Similar native plants
Native plants that share growing conditions or range with Black willow.
- Common hoptree Ptelea trifoliata
- American holly Ilex opaca
- Northern spicebush Lindera benzoin
- Water oak Quercus nigra
- Common winterberry Ilex verticillata
- Pin oak Quercus palustris
Also listed under
Get the full buying guide
Every pick worth knowing across pollinators, shade, drought and more, in one PDF, with the tradeoffs spelled out. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.