Salix nigra aka Black Willow

Taxonomy

Salix nigra, also known as black willow, is a medium-sized deciduous tree and the largest North American species of willow. It is native to eastern North America, ranging from New Brunswick and southern Ontario to Minnesota, and south to northern Florida and Texas. The bark is dark brown to blackish and becomes fissured in older trees. The leaves are alternate, long, thin, and dark shiny green on both sides, with a finely serrated margin and turn a lemon yellow in the fall. The plant is dioecious, with small, greenish yellow to yellow flowers that bloom in early spring at the same time as the new leaves appear. The fruit is a capsule that splits open when mature to release the numerous, minute, down-covered seeds. Black willow is a rare houseplant that requires regular watering and thrives in long-lasting, direct light less than 1 foot from a window. It prefers soil that retains moisture and benefits from a gentle, organic fertilizer throughout the peak growing season.

Common names

Black Willow, Dudley Willow, Goodding

How to care for Black Willow

Difficulty

Black Willow requires a bit more attention and knowledge to thrive, making it a suitable plant for those with some gardening experience.

Water

Black Willow should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Its needs are relatively simple, but one of the most important is making sure its soil is adequately moist. Without proper moisture, the plant can suffer from wilting and stunted growth. To ensure your Black Willow is healthy, you must choose a potting soil that retains moisture.

Look for a soil with good drainage to prevent root rot, but also make sure it contains plenty of organic matter. Coco coir and sphagnum moss are both excellent ingredients for retaining moisture and providing the #self.names with the nutrients it needs to thrive. If you can find a soil that has a combination of these ingredients, your #self.names will thank you with beautiful blooms.

Lighting

To ensure optimal growth, the Black Willow prefers bright diffused light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

Toxicity

Ploi does not possess verified information regarding the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event that you, a member of your family, or a pet ingests plant material with an unclear toxicity level, it is highly recommended to seek the advice of a medical professional.


More info:
Wikipedia