Common osier

Salix viminalis

Height 10 m. Deciduous. Has a narrow upright crown and grey bark with fissures. The leaves are narrow, lance-shaped and tapering, with dull green uppersides and silver-grey underside, 10-25 x 0.5-2.5 cm.

What habitats does it normally live in?

Native to central and eastern Europe. Found in Britain. Prefers damp places. Cultivated for basket-weaving.

How does it reproduce or breed?

Flowers appear before the leaves. Catkins are erect. Male flowers have yellow anthers. Fruit is flask-shaped. Male and female grow on separate twigs.

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