Willows

A willow with a northern distribution in the UK. Its leaves can be easily confused with the bay tree- whose leaves are used to flavour stews and other dishes. Its name, given to it by John Ray in 1690, reflects the similarity of the leaves to the bay tree.

Crack willow is aptly named, not only due to the twigs making a 'cracking' noise when broken but also because old trees often develop a large crack in their trunk and are prone to collapse.

The familiar ‘pussy willow’ of the countryside, goat willow is the commonest of our willows, growing almost anywhere.

A very common willow that looks much like goat willow and grows in similar places so it is quite hard to tell them apart.

This fast-growing tree has been cultivated for centuries for the flexible shoots which can be woven into baskets and other products. More than 60 different kinds of osier hybrids and cultivated varieties are grown in Britain for the basket-making industry.

Large trees are found in wetter areas but this wild version is rarely planted now that there are so many horticulturally created varieties available.