Description
The Grey Willow (Salix cinerea) also known as "Pussy Willow" is a fast growing tree with velvety flowers.
Both Grey Willow and Goat Willow ( Salix caprea) are also sometimes called ' pussy willow' after the silky grey male flowers, which resemble a cat's paws. Characteristics
Grey Willows prefers wet soils but they thrive almost anywhere and m ature trees grow to 10m and can live for 300 years.
The bark is grey-brown and develops diamond-shaped fissures with age. Twigs are initially hairy becoming smooth, and can appear reddish yellow in sunlight.
Leaves are oval, have a pointed tip which bends to one side and a felt-like coating of fine grey hairs underneath. Unlike goat willow, the leaves are at least twice as long as they are wide
Grey willow is dioecious, which means the male and female flowers grow on separate trees. Male catkins are grey and stout turning yellow when they are ripe with pollen. Female catkins are longer and green and develop into woolly seeds.
There are many native willow species in the UK and many hybridise each other, which makes them tricky to identify. For example, Grey Willow often hybridises with the Goat Willow (Salix caprea) which it is closely related to.
Uses
Willows were traditionally used for pain relief. Asprin is derived from salicin, which is a compound found in the bark of all willows.
Mythology and symbolism
Willows used to be associated with celebration but they are now associated with sadness and mourning. In northern regions willow branches are used, instead of palm branches, to celebrate Palm Sunday.
DISCLAMER : Any uses for trees or tree extracts. whether edible or medicinal, have not been tried or tested by EFORESTS.CO.UK so please take caution and seek proper advice before attempting any recipes or medicinal extracts from any of the trees listed on our site.
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- KEY CHARACTERISTICS ...
Type | | Deciduous (loses its leaves in autumn / winter)
| Height | | Can grow up to 10 metres (35 feet)
| Spread | | The branches can spread out to 4 - 8 metres (12 - 24 feet)
| Soil | | Prefers wet locations but can grow in most soil types
| Perfect for
| | Gardens, parkland, wetlands
| Flowers | | Early spring
| Fruit | | -
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