This is the largest and most picturesque of all our willows. It is only one of about 100 kinds of willows occurring in North America. All are very similar in appearance, and generally difficult to identify, even for experts.
Black willow is one the most common willows in Ohio.
It can be found growing along the banks of most of our streams. Notice that the long, lance-shaped leaves are green on both sides. Often stipules occur at the base of the leaves. Stipules on vigorous shoots persist until autumn. Male and female flowers are borne separately in catkins on different trees.