Which tree is Black Willow?

Which tree is Black Willow?

• A. Black Willow
• B. Sassafras
• C. Box elder
• D. River Birch

Answer: (A)

When identifying a tree, use a combination of leaf shape, bark appearance, and typical habitat. Black Willow is a true willow, so look for long, narrow, lance-shaped leaves with a serrated edge and a habit of growing along streams or rivers. Its bark on older trees is dark brown to nearly black and deeply furrowed. The other trees don’t match the willow profile: Sassafras has distinctive leaves that can be lobed or mitten-shaped; Box elder is a maple with compound leaves; River Birch has peeling, papery bark and different leaf shape. So the tree that is Black Willow is the one that fits the willow’s classic long leaves and dark, rugged bark near water.

When identifying a tree, use a combination of leaf shape, bark appearance, and typical habitat. Black Willow is a true willow, so look for long, narrow, lance-shaped leaves with a serrated edge and a habit of growing along streams or rivers. Its bark on older trees is dark brown to nearly black and deeply furrowed.

The other trees don’t match the willow profile: Sassafras has distinctive leaves that can be lobed or mitten-shaped; Box elder is a maple with compound leaves; River Birch has peeling, papery bark and different leaf shape. So the tree that is Black Willow is the one that fits the willow’s classic long leaves and dark, rugged bark near water.