Some Common Plants of  Upper Newport Bay

Black Willow (Salix gooddingii)
Plant:  This tree or shrub that may have distinct trunk and can grow to be 45 feet.  It has gray bark and yellowish, slender branches that may be fuzzy.  The bark is rougher and darker, and its leaves are longer,  narrower than the Arroyo willow. 
Flowers:  The catkins appear before the leaves and are 1-1/4 to 4 inches long.  Male and female appear on separate plants.
Leaf: The light green leaf blades are long and slender, finely saw-toothed, fuzzy when young, but becoming smooth with age. They taper to a point and are wider at the base of the leaf.  The leaves are about the same color on both sides. 
Flowering period:   April and June
Indian Uses:  Branches used as arrow shafts and framing for 
 houses (kishes). 
Can be found here: Big Canyon, Bayview Nature Trail
Native Plant:  Yes Halophyte: No
Family Name: Willow
Click on Picture for enlarged version
Similar Species:  Arroyo Willow
Date: 1/14/2010