Carolina willow is a small, slender tree found near wetland areas such as streams, swamps, marshes, and retention ponds. Its range includes the sandy wetlands of the Mid-Atlantic States and throughout the southeastern coastal plain. Carolina willow is also called coastal plain willow or swamp willow.

Carolina willow contains salicin, which has similar effects as salicylic acid, a component of aspirin. In the past, Native Americans powdered the bark, leaves, and buds to extract salicin for medicinal purposes

such as relieving pain. Carolina willow usually occurs as a multi-branched shrub and can become a small tree. The tree is too small to be economically valued.

Some identifying tips require the use of a magnifying glass. Carolina willow has yellowish glands on the tips of the serrated leaf margin. With magnification, you can see these glands either on the tip or in the notches between the teeth.

Also surrounding the base of young leaves are small, rounded wing-like leaves that resemble the ears of a mouse.

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