Black willow is a very Fast growing, short lived, water loving tree found in south eastern Canada and central to eastern United States. It is the only native tree sized willow in North America. With a dense root system, it provides good erosion control in bottomlands, Riverbanks, swamps, and swails.

The black willow is very tolerant of wet sites but not tolerant at all of shade. It often is multi-stemmed in habit, leaning in fashion, and grows alongside sandbar willow and eastern cotonwood. Leaves are usually long and pointed with finely toothed margins; bright green, shinny above and duller underneath. Fall colour is yellow-green.

Black willow is the only commercially imported willow wood in North America. Though soft, the wood holds its shape well, is straight grained, and somewhat shock resistant. Currently black willow lumber is used for various products like furniture, crates, cabinetry, and toys. The Inner bark has been used by Native Americans to tan leather and medicinally to treat various ailments.