The Willows comprise a large and distinctive genus of deciduous shrubs and trees, 75 of which are found in North America.
The more common ones in P.E.I. do not reach tree size but are merely shrubs. Some of these with their common and botanical names are listed below:
- Shining Willow- Salix lucida (Muhl.)
- Heart-Leaved Willow- Salix cordata (Michx.)
- Bog Willow- Salix pyrifolia (And~rs.)
- Pussy Willow- Salix discolor (Muhl.)
- Beaked Willow- Salix Bebbiana (Sarg.)
- Humble Willow- Salix humilis (March.)
Two distinguishing characteristics of the willows are their bitter bark and their winter buds which have a single cap-like scale. The winter buds, in most species are long, narrow and pointed and have the appearance of being pressed against the side .of the twig. The slender, often brittle twigs. are usually highly coloured.
The leaves are alternate, simple, usually fine toothed, mostly long, narrow and pointed at both ends, usually smooth and dark green above, paler and covered with a fine down or a whitish bloom nderneath. The male and female flowers are borne in unisexual catkins on different plants, appearing in the spring before or with the leaves. The fruit is a small capsule about 1/4 of an inch long and matures in early summer about the same time as the leaves reach their full size. The seed, shed at maturity, is very small, light and tufted and can be carried long distances by wind.
The wood in all species is similar. It is light and soft, but possesses considerable toughness and shock-resistance for its weight. The wood is of little economic importance in Canada.
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