The smaller Black Willow will grow to upwards of 25 to 35 feet  and can be pruned to any desired shape  due to its vast root system below. The trees act as good erosion control for overly wet areas of the lawn or slope. The bark is a dark blackish Gray and present s a stunning backdrop to the slender  light green leaves and rorange colored twigs. Its simultaneous leaf and flower sprouting in the spring is attractive to the eye  making it the home of various bird and butterfly species.