They are usually found along stream courses or in wetland complexes. Sometimes close attention to details will help identify species. Willows do not have true terminal BUDS and the side buds are usually pressed close to the twig. Salix is a difficult genus to identify species. Another interesting tidbit about willows is the origin of aspirin from willow bark.
Leaves have rounded bases .
The margins are finely-toothed and the leaf tips quite tapered. The BARK becomes furrowed at a fairly young age, deeply furrowed with thick ridges with large trees. The wood is weak and large trees often have large broken branches from wind or ice storms. Black willow commonly grows singly or in small groups along roadsides and ditches. The leaf margins are finely-toothed .