Dyes Were Obtained from Bark and Roots of Black Willow by Native People That Ranged From

Black willow (Salix nigra Marshall) is the most common species of willow in North Central Texas and often occurs along rivers, streams, and around impoundments (see top photograph above). The genus name, Salix is what the Romans called the trees and botanists used it when constructing the scientific name. Its species name describes the dark color of the bark. They vary from 30 m trees in bottomlands to dwarf shrubs only 1-2 cm tall in tundra. The flowers, occur in inflorescences called catkins (see bottom photograph above), contain glands that secrete nectar and attract insect pollinators. They are dioecious meaning that some trees contain catkins with only male flowers (see bottom photograph above) while other trees have catkins with only female flowers. Fruits are capsules with comose seeds (with pubescence attached to one end) that are dispersed by wind and water.

Dyes were obtained from bark and roots of black willow by native people that ranged from yellowish tan to red. Of the approximately 400 species worldwide, native peoples chewed twigs from the plant as a pain reliever. Salicylic acid, similar to synthesized aspirin, is found in the twigs. They have also been used in basketry because of their pliable branches. Black willow wood is soft, light, and weak. It is used for crates, historically for artificial limbs, fuel, and wicker furniture. Willow branches are also used as divining rods to locate water. Willow branches were used as transverse lathing for walls and roofs of Caddo, Kiowa, Mescalaro Apache, and Wichita Indian lodges. The Kiowa used them in the temporary frames for sweathouses. Various tribes used it to make travois poles and the Kiowas used it for arrow shafts and drum frames.

In the ecosystem, willows are considered pioneer plants because they, as well as other pioneer species, occupy deposits following floods that are bare of vegetation. Its dense network of roots helps stabilize soil. Willows grow fast and die relatively quickly and are replaced by more long-lived species once the soil is stabilized. The large tangle of roots on banks provides protection for minnows, fry, and aquatic invertebrates. Mature black willows also serve as favorite roost and perch sites for egrets, heron, and kingfishers.

Sources:

Cox, P., & P. Leslie. 1988 Texas Trees: A Friendly Guide. Corona Publishing Company. San Antonio, Texas.

Diggs, G. M., B. L. Lipscomb, & R. J. O’Kennon. 1999. Shinners & Mahler’s Illustrated Flora of North Central Texas. Botanical Research Institute of Texas. Fort Worth, Texas.

Tull, D. 2013. Edible and useful plants of the southwest: TX, NM and AZ. Austin: University of Texas Press.

Turner, M. W. 2009. Remarkable Plants of Texas: Uncommon Accounts of Our Common Natives. University of Texas Press. Austin, Texas.

Wrede, J. 2010. Trees, Shrubs, and Vines of the Texas Hill Country. Texas A&M University Press. College Station, Texas.