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Blackwillow

Shrub type: Deciduous (Stores water in the thickened base of its stem)

This modest-sized shrub grows up to 3 feet (91.4 cm) tall and lives for decades, with the oldest known specimen being around 155 years old. It is not very resistant to disease and destructive insect infestation.

It has numerous long and flexible, straight stems covered in wrinkled, white with black speckled bark, and the wood inside is black with white speckles.

The branches are tall, rigid and upright with thousands of twigs that and are covered with small bunches of small, sickle shaped, leaves with rounded edges. The leaves themselves are black on the sides and vibrant green at the center, flimsy and fuzzy.

In early summer it produces hundreds of giant, cream blossoms with 8 cylindrical shaped petals. They detach easily and have a powerful scent that smells like pine needles.

In early autumn long, straight fruits ripen. The smooth blue skin is thin and slightly sour, and the very soft black flesh is sweet and dry. The grey seed is very large and sits at the top of the fruit.

It coexists peacefully with other plants.
It is suitable for creating tough, hard-wearing textiles
The sap causes severe rashes
It makes a distinctive sound when the wind blows through it.