They adorn roadsides, strengthen embankments and are even at home as ornamental trees in private gardens: here in Germany alone, the willow occurs in eight different species. The deciduous tree is not only very popular because of its beautiful growth habit and the velvety flowers in the form of small catkins. Its flexible branches are ideal for making handmade products. It is always worthwhile to pay more attention to the characteristics of the willow. In this profile you will find interesting information.

There are about 300 different types of willow

General

  • Latin name: Salix
  • Genus: willow family (Salicaceae)
  • Tree species: deciduous tree
  • Number of species: around 300
  • Number of species native to Germany: about 8
  • Height: 10 to 30 meters
  • Age: 40 to 80 years
  • also occurs as a shrub
  • forms numerous hybrids

apparition

leaf

  • Shape: narrow, round or lanceolate
  • Colour: light green
  • Underside mostly hairy

bark

  • Structure: cracked
  • Colour: brown or grey
  • soft wood, very pliable, fibrous, tough, red or white
  • Tree trunk is often hollow

fruit

  • Fruit shape: capsule fruit
  • Length: approx. 1 cm
  • ready after 4 to 6 weeks
  • contain several seeds
  • rapid seed formation

blossom

  • Flowering period: from March to May
  • separate sex (dioecious)
  • fluffy kittens
  • male flowers: thick, ovoid, striking yellow
  • female flowers: cylindrical, greenish
  • Pollination: wind and insects

distribution and occurrence

  • in the entire northern hemisphere with the exception of Scandinavia

location claims

  • Light conditions: sunny
  • Soil: moist to wet

use

In the medicine

  • Bark is brewed for tea
  • contains many tannins
  • contains large amounts of salicin (active ingredient in aspirin tablets)
  • antipyretic
  • pain relieving
  • helps against rheumatism
  • Leaves have a diuretic effect

manufacturing and industry

  • as slope reinforcement in engineering biology
  • Branches are used as material for wickerwork such as baskets (especially in fishing)
  • for roofing
  • Leaves are used as fodder for cattle
  • firewood
  • cricket bat

botany

  • as bee pasture
  • as a solitary tree
  • as bonsai
  • in the bucket
  • as an avenue tree
  • in parks
  • for bank reinforcement

Others

symbolism

  • Easter shrub (catkins remind of palm fronds)
  • in China a symbol of spring and fertility

Category:

Trees