Salix nigra
Salix nigra, commonly known as black willow, is a resilient deciduous tree native to North American wetlands. Renowned for its medicinal history, its bark contains salicin, a natural precursor to aspirin. This versatile species plays a vital role in stabilizing riverbanks and supporting diverse riparian ecosystems through its growth.
- Scientific name: Salix nigra
- Family: Salicaceae
- Native range: Northern America
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, it is categorized under the order Malpighiales and the family Salicaceae. Finally, it is classified under the genus Salix.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Malpighiales | WCVP |
| Family | Salicaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Salix | WCVP |
Distribution
This plant, known as Salix nigra, exhibits a broad geographical distribution across much of the North American landscape. In Eastern Canada, it can be found growing in the provinces of New Brunswick, Ontario, and Québec. Moving southward into the North-Central United States, its range extends significantly into the Midwest. Specifically, it is documented to inhabit the regions of both Illinois and Iowa. These diverse locations highlight the plant's ability to thrive in various wetland environments across these specific territories.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Eastern Canada | New Brunswick | WCVP |
| Eastern Canada | Ontario | WCVP |
| Eastern Canada | Québec | WCVP |
| North-Central U.S.A. | Illinois | WCVP |
| North-Central U.S.A. | Iowa | WCVP |
| North-Central U.S.A. | Kansas | WCVP |
| North-Central U.S.A. | Minnesota | WCVP |
| North-Central U.S.A. | Missouri | WCVP |
| North-Central U.S.A. | Nebraska | WCVP |
| North-Central U.S.A. | Oklahoma | WCVP |
Chemicals
Salix nigra has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include nitric oxide, tumor necrosis factor-alpha.
- Total chemicals
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| nitric oxide | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| tumor necrosis factor-alpha | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Salix nigra has 3 reported medicinal uses identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include cirrhosis, fibrosis, hepatitis C.
- Total uses
- 3
- Scientific sources
- 3
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| cirrhosis | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| fibrosis | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| hepatitis C | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |