A small to medium-sized tree on moist bottomlands in the eastern U.S., often with a divided trunk and considered the most important American willow. Leaves are finely serrate, up to 6" in length with a falcate, acuminate tip. Twigs are reddish-brown to orange brown, and brittle with small, red-brown buds. Bark is nearly black, having deep fissures with interlacing ridges.