Salix spp.
Willows
2
Nom français: Saule
2
Willows
Salix spp.
Saules
There are many different kinds of willows. You probably know the weeping willow, a very elegant tree often seen in gardens or parks by a river or a pond. This is a non-native species coming from China (Salix babylonica) or a cultivar derived from hybrids with other species. It has been introduced for ornamental purposes (it is such a beautiful tree!) and have become naturalized in some areas. There exist around a 100 different American species, differing by their size, growth form and habitat. Some, like the Black Willow, are tall trees growing on the banks of the St-Lawrence. Others, like Bush or Hoary willows, are 1-2m high shrubs. Most of the willows thrive in humid and riparian environments. They all share some characteristics:
LEAVES – simple, alternate, finely toothed and generally long and narrow with a short petiole.
FLOWERS – Willows have a special kind of flower called a catkin which often appear early in the spring. It is a cylindrical flower cluster with few or no petals. Other tree species also have catkins, like birches.
TWIG – Slender, often with bright colors. Buds are more or less elongated and have a single scale, which looks like a little hood.
USES – Willows have flexible twigs and have been used for thousands of year for weaving baskets and other objects. Their bark is also known to have medicinal properties.
Fontes e Créditos
- (c) Amadej Trnkoczy, alguns direitos reservados (CC BY-NC-SA), http://www.flickr.com/photos/32503151@N05/3590291784
- (c) Alice Roy-Bolduc, alguns direitos reservados (CC BY-SA)
