How to Identify Trees From the Willow Family
Willow trees are members of the genus Salix. This genus includes a number of species of deciduous trees and shrubs found throughout the world. Most species, however, grow in the northern hemisphere. A number of features distinguish willows from other types of trees.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Know whether the tree in question is deciduous or evergreen. Willows are deciduous trees which means that they lose their leaves in winter.
-
2
Examine the leaves on the tree. Willow leaves are characteristically small, long and slender. They grow along the sides of the stem generally alternating with each other rather than growing directly opposite each other. On some species the leaves have smooth edges, and on others serrated edges. There may be small leaf-like growths where the leaf meets the branch. These are called stipules and are characteristic of willow; however, they are only present for part of the year on most species and so may not be evident.
-
-
3
In spring look for flowers on the tree. Willows are either male or female, but both genders produce flowers. Willow flowers are produced in long clusters called catkins which stand upright and do not hang down like the flower clusters on some other kinds of trees. Male flowers are most commonly yellow. Female flowers are green and harder to see as they blend in with the rest of the tree.
-
4
In early summer look for the tree's seeds. Willows produce white seeds which drop from the trees in bits of white fiber.
-
5
Look for storm damage. Willows break easily and are often damaged by wind, storms, and winter ice and snow. Look for evidence of broken or fallen limbs and debris around the tree.
-
1
Resources
More Like This
Comments
-
Sherwood Botsford
Aug 08, 2009
Drivel. #1 Step one eliminates all conifers, wintergreen, grape ivy, but still leaves maples, oaks, sumacs, birches, apples... #2. Small, long and slender compared to what? My smallest willow has leaves 1/8 x 5/8" long. My largest leaved willow has leaves that are over 6 inches long. Slender? One willow has leaves 2" long by 1+ inches wide -- about the same ratio as an elm leaf. Another has 4" long leaves that are only a quarter inch wide, which makes it almost as skinny as fat grass. 3. Most people won't identify a catkin as a flower. Colour on the male flowers is due to the pollen, not the flower itself, and can range from yellow to pink to dark red. The catkin the "****" of pussywillow colour ranges from white to light gray to almost black depending on species. 4. In addition to willows, most poplars also produce masses of seeds in this form. There are also a raft o...
