Willows come in many varieties. Eight of the approximately 450 varieties are native to Germany alone. The white willow is a very special species. Its name is due to the appearance of its leaves, which shine silvery, especially on windy days? But why is that? An optical illusion? Sorcery? No of course not! Here's the real reason.
The gray hairs on the leaves create the silver effect
features
- Petiole length: 5 mm
- Leaf position: alternate
- Leaf margin: serrate
- Leaf shape: oblong, smooth
- Length: up to 10 cm
- Width: 2cm
- Color of leaf top: dark green
- Color of the underside of the leaf: gray-blue
- Special features: the upper side of the leaf has light gray hairs, the underside of the leaf has increased gray hairs
The white willow is a deciduous deciduous tree in which the loss of leaves takes place comparatively late. Sometimes the leaves remain on the branches until late summer. However, this is by far not the most striking feature that you should use as a guide when identifying the tree. You can recognize the white willow much more by its beautifully shiny foliage, to which it owes its name. Due to the dense growth of the crown, the small gray hairs appear like a silver down that stretches over the leaves. You can observe this phenomenon very well, especially when it is windy. The persistence appears more intensively on the underside of the leaf. In addition, the hairs are erect here. When the wind lifts the leaves, the silvery shimmer comes into its own.
Medicinal benefit
A white willow in your own garden is a real blessing. Not only that the tree impresses with its great appearance. Its leaves are also very interesting for medicine. The effect was already known in ancient times. At that time people used the leaves of the white willow
- against insomnia
- for the treatment of wounds, spasms, rheumatism and sedatives
Simply pour the leaves over a stimulating tea.