White Willow

Salix alba

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FAMILY NAME Salicaceae

CHARACTERISTICS Tapering, slender leaves 5 to 10cm (2 to 4in) long, covered with silky hairs

HABITAT Riverbanks

DISTRIBUTION Europe, Western and Central Asia

FLOWERS AND FRUIT Catkins appear in early spring; once pollinated they form capsules of tiny seeds dispersed by the wind

With pale, slender leaves covered in downy white hairs, it’s easy to see why the White Willow is so popular with poets and artists. Though often thought of as a symbol of mourning, it was also a tree of celebration and its branches were used to decorate churches on Palm Sunday. Because it grows near water, the tree is associated with the moon and the Greek moon goddess Hecate. This mystical link meant that it was commonly thought of as the witch’s tree, because Hecate was known as the Queen of the Witches. Willow is often coppiced (cut down close to ground level) to produce long, flexible stems used to weave baskets, furniture and fences.