February 2015.
Reflecting on the accidental loss of Dallas’ State Champion Black Willow (DMN February 3), we can appreciate the special qualities of the Black Willows that have thrived for years in the Joe’s Creek corridor: natives and champions regardless of size. Although many are now aging, these Willows feature a dense and tenacious root system that holds fast against erosion of the creek’s banks. Wildlife, including the Red Bellied Woodpecker, and other species, including the Ladder Backed, seem to be drawn to these trees, perhaps more so when the trees are showing signs of age, or storm or insect damage. The fast growth and typically short life, the soft breakable wood, the shallow extensive root system that make the tree less desirable in a residential landscape, become advantages along the creek. Every tree does not have to have the endurance of the oaks or long life of the bald cypress to be an important part of the environment.
According to Texas Trees, a Friendly Guide, published 1988 by Paul W. Cox and Patty Leslie, Black Willows were used in weaving baskets, wicker furniture, and Indians made an infusion from the bark, to alleviate aches and pains – the bark contains an ingredient found in aspirin. Black Willows can be grown easily from a cutting. “One can take a live willow branch, press it into the mud, and watch it grow.” We might try just that.
Future Champions? These probable Black Willow shoots are now coming up along the creek’s edge. Let’s give them their chance to grow and mature – that is, do not remove!
See Texas Trees, a Friendly Guide for more comments on the Black Willow and excellent descriptions and background for so many of our Texas natives. This book is available from amazon.com, alibris.com and the Dallas Public Library.From
Vince Punaro & Rebecca Bergstresser