American black willow is a Southern States species, usually associated with water and is just one of many willow species.
Salix nigra
black willow, swamp willow
American black willow trees grow naturally in the Central and Southern States mainly along the Mississippi river and beside lakes. The best trees of willow can grow very tall and straight but with relatively small diameter and may be multi-stemmed.
FIA data shows U.S. willow growing stock is 56.7 million m3, 0.4% of total U.S. hardwood growing stock. American willow is growing 1.15 million m3 per year while the harvest is 0.31 million m3 per year. The net volume (after harvest) is increasing 0.84 million m3 each year. Willow growth exceeds harvest in most U.S. states that are host to the species
Willow is only available on a regional basis mainly in the southern States and in limited volumes of sawn lumber in export grades. It is primarily produced as thinner stock (4/4") so the availability of other thicknesses may be more limited. Veneer may also be available from specialist suppliers.
The wood of willow has a fine and even texture. The grain may straight or interlocked and may present attractive figure. The narrow sapwood varies according to site conditions and is light to creamy brown in colour but can be almost white. The heartwood is distinct ranging from pale reddish brown to greyish brown and can be quite dark. Burls and swirls in the grain are natural characteristics and are not considered defects.
The wood of willow is light in weight and soft. It is weak in bending strength, compression, shock resistance, stiffness and has low steam bending classification.
Black willow is used for furniture, joinery and interior mouldings. It can be used stained as a light coloured substitute for walnut.