White Willow & Crack Willow Salix alba and Salix fragilis
White willow grows in wet areas and the stems are used to construct decorative baskets. A variety of the White Willow is used to make cricket bats.
Conservation status in Norfolk
Widely distributed and not thought to be under threat in Norfolk. In parts of the country willow numbers have declined. This may be due to a number of factors such as: house and road developments cutting down trees or lack of management of stands of willow which were once managed for their timber but are now left to die.
How to help
Pollarding - whereby the trunk is cut 2-3 metres high, which encourages new shoot growth, which is then cut on a 10-15 year rotation – can prolong the life of a willow. However, expert advice should be sort from a professional tree surgeon.
Wildstock
Information on the White Willow & Crack Willow
How to recognise
The narrow oval leaves have a pointed tip and are shallowly toothed. When the wind catches them the foliage appears silver, this is due to the white hairs that cover the underside of the leaf. The bark, which is a grey colour, is deeply ridged. Catkins of the willow are extremely distinctive, they are oval in shape and covered in fine white hairs
Where to see
Like most willows this species thrives near water. The white willow is native to Britain and is often seen along water courses, such as streams. Although this association with water exists, this tree does not like water-logged soil. In Norfolk fine specimens can be seen along the river
When to see
The catkins appear with the leaves in April/May, with female catkins and male catkins appearing on separate trees.
Did you know?
In Britain there are 14 species of willow tree and only the oak supports more insect species than a willow. Before planting a willow beside a stream or river you must get permission form the Environment Agency
The cricket bat willow (Salix alba 'Caerulea') is a variety of the white willow which arose in Norfolk in the 1870s. It is now widely planted sometimes in large plantations, and its timber is used in the making of cricket bats.
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