Salicaceae

Salix species

Common Names: Willows

Plant Form: Deciduous trees or shrubs. Size: Up to 30m tall. Stem: Vary significantly depending on species. Leaves: Vary depending on species, generally spear or lance-shaped. Flowers: Exclusively male or female, in groups called a ‘catkin’. Fruit and Seeds: Small, develop within capsules and only last for 10 days or so. Habitat: Along permanent watercourses or in seasonally wet areas and gullies. Distinguishing Features: Most species are hybrids and can’t be confidently identified to species level. Impacts: Use much more water than native species, alter water flow, cause erosion, restrict stock water access.