White willow

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

What other names does it have?

Can also be known as	Saugh
Generic name	Willow
Latin name	Salix alba
Family name	Willow
Latin family name	Saliceceae

What type of tree is it?

Is it a broadleaf or conifer?	It is a broadleaf
Does it lose its leaves in autumn?	Yes, it is deciduous

Species description:

Average height	20-25m

Leaf

Description	The long narrow leaves are felted with silver hairs on their underneath.
Shape	Oval
Size	Around 8cm long
Colour	Green
Leaf bud	Slender, flattened and silky buds
Leaf stalk	Short stalk
Leaf arrangement	Alternate

Flower, seed, and fruit

Type of flower	Catkin
Tree/flower sex	Both sexes
Fruit colour	Green brown with white fluff on the seeds
Type of seed body	Catkin
Seeds dispersed by	Wind

Bark and twig

Bark description	Grey and rugged with criss-crossing ridges
Twig Description	Shoots are flexible, very slender and grey in colour.

What other trees are similar?

Can easily be confused with?	Crack willow- this tree has much longer leaves (up to 15cm) that are hairless underneath. However hybrids between the two species are common

Where is it usually found?

Is it native or non-native to the British Isles?	Native
Where is its natural range?	Britain and Ireland
Preferred soil type or environmental conditions?	Wetter areas around rivers, ponds, marshes and ditches
What is its British conservation status?	Common

Additional information

Human uses of tree and timber

A variety of the white willow is the cricket bat willow. As its names suggests its wood is used for making cricket bats. However as with most willows the primary use is of the thin twigs to weave baskets or 'cribs' for animal food. Larger stems could be used to make small sailing boats because of the lightness of the wood.

Tree lore and folklore

All willows were seen as trees of celebration in biblical times but this had changed over time and now the willows are associated with sadness and mourning. Classical poems often refer to willow in this way and it is repeated in art with Ophelia drowning herself near a willow. It is suggested that the bitter taste of willow gave it this assocation. In northern areas, willow branches are used instead of palm branches to celebrate Palm Sunday.

Billowing crown

Leaves held densely and shows flowers fruiting

Leaf on right in autumn

Illustrations supplied by
Collins

BritishTrees