This native willow grows either upright to 50 feet, or leaning over water. Its gray bark has deep, irregular furrows (B). Its winter twigs have large, reddish buds (C). The mature leaves, up to 6 inches long and 1 inch or more wide, are green on top (F) and silvery below (G). Male (D) and female (E) catkins are found on separate trees. Willows are difficult to identify. Our other native tree willow, the Black Willow (Salix nigra) has much narrower leaves which are green on both sides.
Willows grow next to waterways and other wet areas. This is the most common willow in our area, flowering in April and May. In Fontenelle Forest, uncommon along Marsh Trail. At Neale Woods, uncommon along MRE Trail.
The content of NatureSearch is provided by dedicated volunteer Naturalists of Fontenelle Forest who strive to provide the most accurate information available. Contributors of the images retain their copyrights. The point of contact for this page is: Roland Barth.