Salix nigra Black willow (Salicaceae) Deciduous tree

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Salix nigra
Black willow
Deciduous tree
(1 Page of 5)

The Salix nigra plant species is found in Eastern N. America - Maine to Minnesota, south to Texas. It is a member of the Salicaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Black willow. Some home gardeners know the variety as S. falcata.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Salix nigra
Common Name:  Black willow
Family:  Salicaceae
Author:  Marsh.

Known Hazards:  None known

Mature Height:  12   Mature Width:

Habitat:  Found in a wide variety of soils[229], so long as they are wet[227], by streamsides, shores and rich low woods[43].

Medicinal Information: The bark is anodyne, antiinflammatory, antiperiodic, antiseptic, astringent, diaphoretic, diuretic, febrifuge, hypnotic, sedative, tonic[4, 7, 9, 21, 165]. It has been used in the treatment of gonorrhea, ovarian pains and nocturnal emissions[4]. The bark of this species is used interchangeably with S. alba. It is taken internally in the treatment of rheumatism, arthritis, gout, inflammatory stages of auto-immune diseases, diarrhoea, dysentery, feverish illnesses, neuralgia and headache[238]. The bark can be used as a poultice on cuts, wounds, sprains, bruises, swellings etc[257]. The bark is removed during the summer and dried for later use[238]. The leaves are used internally in the treatment of minor feverish illnesses and colic[238]. The leaves can be harvested throughout the growing season and are used fresh or dried[238]. The fresh bark contains salicin, which probably decomposes into salicylic acid (closely related to aspirin) in the human body[213]. This is used as an anodyne and febrifuge[213] and as an ingredient of spring tonics[229].

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Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
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