Willow belongs to the willow genus of the willow family. Its flowers appear long before the leaves sprout and herald the arrival of spring. The flowers are called willow catkins and are valued in this country above all as an important source of food for bees.
The willow is a very decorative, hardy tree
Willow is not only a valuable source of food for insects. The plant that blooms early in the year is also popular with people. Because of its fluffy flowers, it is affectionately called kitten willow or catkin and is often used for Easter arrangements.
systematics and description
- Type: Salweide, also Sal willow (Salix caprea)
- Genus: Willows (Salix)
- Family: willow family (Salicaceae)
- Growth: as a deciduous, upright, moderately branched tree or as a shrub. The trees reach heights of up to 10 m, the bushes are more compact at approx. 3-5 m.
- Bark: gray to black-brown and with longitudinal cracks.
- Leaves: Elongated with sunken leaf veins, dark green on top in summer, shimmering silver on the underside, turning yellow-brown in autumn.
- Blossoms: The willow bears either only male or only female flowers. The so-called willow catkins are initially silvery furry, later bright yellow.
distribution and use
Salix caprea is found in both central and northern and southern Europe and most of Asia. In addition to being used as a bee plant, the willows are also often planted on roadsides and to stabilize slopes and banks. They grow as pioneer trees on rubble dumps and heaps. Its bark contains tannins, which is why the willow is also important in medicine.
Location, cultivation and care
Salweide prefers a sunny location, but also tolerates light shade. The soil should be nutrient-rich and fresh. Salix caprea is absolutely frost hardy and can be planted as soon as the ground is no longer frozen. In the spring after flowering, a vigorous pruning can be carried out, if necessary it can be pruned again moderately in summer. Propagation is by cuttings.
tips
Salix caprea is not particularly good for living tents or tipis as it is difficult to braid and breaks easily. For these purposes it is better to use osier (Salix viminalis).