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Black willow identification: leaves, bark, fruit and twigs
Black willow, Salix nigra, is a native tree in Pennsylvania. How to recognize it by its leaves, bark, fruit and twigs, and how to tell it from look-alikes.
Alternate, simple leaves with toothed edges. Narrow, lance-shaped leaves 3 to 6 inches long with fine teeth, shiny dark green on top. Bark: Brown to gray-black with thick scaly ridges and deep furrows. Checked Nov. 14, 2026.
How to identify black willow
| Leaf type | Alternate, simple leaves with toothed edges |
|---|---|
| Leaves | Narrow, lance-shaped leaves 3 to 6 inches long with fine teeth, shiny dark green on top. |
| Bark | Brown to gray-black with thick scaly ridges and deep furrows. |
| Fruit | Catkins of small capsules that split in midsummer to release cottony seeds. |
| Twigs | Slender orange-brown twigs with a bitter, aspirin-like taste. |
| Size and shape | Small to medium tree that can build a massive trunk and a spreading, irregular crown. |
From the Virginia Tech Dendrology fact sheet, in our own words.
Is black willow native to Pennsylvania?
The Pennsylvania Natural Heritage Program (PNHP) lists black willow as native to Pennsylvania.
See all 140 trees, with a 4-question identifier, in our Pennsylvania tree identification guide.
Trees that look like black willow
| Tree | Its leaves |
|---|---|
| White willow Salix alba | Alternate, simple leaves with toothed edges. Narrow leaves 2 to 4 inches long with fine teeth, shiny green on top and nearly white and silky underneath. |
| Weeping willow Salix ×sepulcralis | Alternate, simple leaves with toothed edges. Very narrow leaves 3 to 6 inches long and only 3/8 to 1/2 inch wide, finely toothed, yellow-green on top. |
Compare the leaves first, then the bark, fruit and twigs on each tree’s page.
Questions
How do you identify black willow?
Look for alternate, simple leaves with toothed edges. Narrow, lance-shaped leaves 3 to 6 inches long with fine teeth, shiny dark green on top. Bark: Brown to gray-black with thick scaly ridges and deep furrows.
Is black willow native to Pennsylvania?
The Pennsylvania Natural Heritage Program (PNHP) lists black willow as native to Pennsylvania.
What shape is black willow?
Small to medium tree that can build a massive trunk and a spreading, irregular crown.
How can you tell black willow in winter?
Check the twigs and bark. Twigs: Slender orange-brown twigs with a bitter, aspirin-like taste. Bark: Brown to gray-black with thick scaly ridges and deep furrows.
What tree looks like black willow?
White willow, Weeping willow. Compare the leaves first.
Sources: Virginia Tech Dendrology (Salix nigra fact sheet); Pennsylvania Natural Heritage Program, PA Vascular Plant List (native or introduced status). Checked Nov. 14, 2026.
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