by , Native Plants Class
Common Names: Goodding Willow, Western Black Willow
Family: Salicaceae
Synonymy: Salix nigra Marsh var. vallicola Dudley
Etymology: Salix is Latin for “willow.” The specific epithet is named after Leslie Newton Goodding (1880-1967)—one of the first botanists and collectors to explore southern Arizona.

Identification
Growth form: Shrub/Tree to 45 feet tall. (4)
Roots: Abundant surface roots as well as deeper stabilizing roots. (1)
Stem: Trunk is ~75 cm around. Bark is thick, rough, deeply furrowed. (1)
Leaves: 5-10 cm long. (1)
Inflorescence/flowers: Catkins. This species is dioecious, so male and female flowers are different. Males are 3½ inches long containing many, tiny, yellow flowers. The flowers are followed by the fruit. Females are smaller. (3)
Fruit: Small and hairy seeds are dispersed by wind and water and are viable only for a few days. (1)
Similar species: Salix nigra (5)

Ecology
Life history: Deciduous perennial.
Native/Introduced: Native
Photosynthetic pathway: C3
Phenology: Flowers in early March, seeds distributed in early spring. Seeds root best in bare, moist soil. (1)
Distribution: Elevation: 4,500-7,000 (2). California, Arizona, New Mexico. Riparian zones.

Uses
Wildlife: Good browse and shade for livestock and wildlife. Beaver use it to eat and to build lodges. Provides shade for fish.
Medicinal: Salacin is produced by all Salix and is related to aspirin—can be used to treat fevers, etc.
Ecological: Useful for prevention of shore erosion.
Other uses: Willow shoots were also used by Natives to weave baskets, make fish traps, fence posts, shelters, and firewood. (1)