WHITE WILLOW – Salix alba: [ 30 & 58 ]
The largest willow it grows to 25m with grey-brown bark that becomes deeply fissured as it ages. Twigs are also grey-brown and the slender leaves are lighter than other willows with fine white hairs on the underside. Male catkins grow on different trees to the female and are slightly longer at 4-5cm. Insects pollinate the female catkins which develop tiny, fluffy seed capsules, dispersed by wind. Caterpillars eat the leaves and the catkins provide nectar and pollen for many insects. As with other willow it is a source of salicin which is used as a painkiller. The cricket bat willow is the variety, Salix alba var.caerulea, having a particularly vigorous, straight trunk. Female trees are best for making cricket bats.
The largest willow it grows to 25m with grey-brown bark that becomes deeply fissured as it ages. Twigs are also grey-brown and the slender leaves are lighter than other willows with fine white hairs on the underside. Male catkins grow on different trees to the female and are slightly longer at 4-5cm. Insects pollinate the female catkins which develop tiny, fluffy seed capsules, dispersed by wind. Caterpillars eat the leaves and the catkins provide nectar and pollen for many insects. As with other willow it is a source of salicin which is used as a painkiller. The cricket bat willow is the variety, Salix alba var.caerulea, having a particularly vigorous, straight trunk. Female trees are best for making cricket bats.
