Black Willow

The genus Salix is composed of more than 200 species that grow naturally in Eurasia, and the New World. All species look identical at the cellular level. The word salix is the classical Latin name for willow. Willow is native to all parts of the United States. Black willow trees reach a height of 140 ft (43 m), with a diameter of 4 ft (1.2 m). Willow sapwood is light tan, with a pale brown heartwood. The wood is soft with a uniform texture, but is weak in physical and mechanical properties. It is difficult to machine or split and does not hold nails well. It is used for artificial limbs, box lumber, cabinetry, carvings, excelsior, factory lumber, fiber board, furniture, interior trim, novelties, paneling, polo balls, pulpwood, slack cooperage, toys, veneers and wooden shoes.

http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/documnts/TechSheets/HardwoodNA/pdf_files/salnigmet.pdf.

Characteristics found in the Willow (Salix sp.)

• Diffuse porous
• Simple perforations
• I/V pits medium to large (8-50)
• Hetrocellular, uniseriate rays
• R/V pitting foraminate or salicoid

WOOD SLIDES
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Radial section of Willow (Salix showing heterocellular rays with upright cells.		Radial section of Willow (Salix sp.) showing square cells within the body of the ray (brackets).

CHARCOAL SLIDES