Pretty much every component of the willow has certain virtues and notable characteristics. Your healing tea is made from the bark, baskets and fences can be woven from the branches. On this page you will learn what benefits you can get from the leaves of the willow tree. You will also learn to distinguish between the different willow species based on the shape of the leaf.

The leaves of the weeping willow are elongated and tapered

Optical features

  • significant differences from species to species
  • round, lanceolate and narrow, tapered shapes are possible
  • Underside of leaves mostly hairy
  • mostly light green

Peculiarities of the white willow

In terms of leaf characteristics, the white willow (Salix alba) stands out. After all, the tree owes its name to the leaves. The foliage has a fluff of fine, white hairs on the upper side, but particularly pronounced on the underside. These shimmer silver, especially when it is windy.

More differences of different species

You can use the following characteristics as a guide if you want to distinguish between different willow species.

Hooker's pasture

  • ovoid
  • dark green
  • fixed
  • glittering
  • up to 10 cm long
  • alternating arrangement

Sal Willow

  • wide
  • elliptical
  • pointed
  • up to 10 cm long
  • finely serrated leaf margin
  • Leaf surface slightly shiny

basket willow

  • narrow and lanceolate
  • pointed
  • up to 25 cm long
  • Underside of leaves silver-grey
  • finely serrated leaf margin

crack willow

  • lanceolate
  • up to 16 cm long
  • 2-3 cm wide
  • finely serrated leaf margin

Fall of leaves in autumn

Over the years, willows develop a sprawling crown. No wonder huge amounts of leaves fall on the ground in autumn. Therefore, you should not plant your pasture too close to the property line, so that the neighbor is spared the fallen leaves and you do not have to commit yourself to clearing sidewalks.
If the willow is directly in the garden, it is best to use the falling leaves as a natural fertilizer. The leaves enrich the soil and ensure even better growth of the tree. At the same time you save yourself a lot of work.

Medicinal benefit

Did you know that willow leaves have a very high salicin content? This substance is considered the basis of aspirin tablets. Salicin has both analgesic and fever-reducing effects. Since the leaves of the willow are completely non-toxic, you can try chewing on one. But beware, the taste turns out to be very bitter. Young willow leaves do not have this aroma and are therefore used as a slightly different ingredient in salads.

Category:

Trees