Black Willow
The Black Willow tree, Salix nigra, is a small (sometimes shrub like) to large, short-lived, deciduous tree. It is fast growing and may reach maturity within 30 years. Other names sometimes used are swamp willow, Goodding willow, southwestern black willow, Dudley willow, and sauz (Spanish). This tree usually obtains a height of about 50 feet. The massive trunks are generally leaning and are often divided. The bark is thick and deeply divided into furrows separating thick, scaly ridges. This deciduous tree has a crown that is broad and open with stout branches. Black Willow trees have twigs that are slender and easily detached. Leaf blades are variable in size, the larger to 4. 7 inches long. Black willow roots are shallow and laterally extensive making them an excellent choice for stream banks and wet locations. ... more info
Box Elder Maple The Box Elder Maple tree, Acer negundo, is also commonly known as ashleaf maple, Manitoba maple, box-elder maple, and western box-elder. The trunk is relatively short and tapering, and the crown is spreading and bushy. It has a thick trunk and upright branching habit, but is more often seen as a smaller tree with cane-like, bright green branches. Box Elder trees are fast growing and tolerate poor conditions. Boxelder bugs eat seeds on female trees. Although it grows best on moist soils, box-elder is drought and cold resistant. The seeds are a source of food for birds and mammals, and are important because they stay on the tree through winter, when other food resources are scarce.
