Scientific Family
Salicaceae
Synonyms
Salix bonplandiana var. laevigata, Salix congesta, Salix laevigata var. angustifolia, Salix laevigata var. araquipa, Salix laevigata var. congesta
Other common names
polished willow
Plant type
Trees
Riparian
Yes
Plant Description
Origin
Native
Similar species
</i>Hybridizes with <i>S. gooddingii.
Crown is rounded, branch ends droop, overall shape very irregular.
Tree to 50 feet; slender smooth branches, rough bark. Leaves alternate, 4 times as long as wide, finely toothed. Leaves green above, grayish-green and hairy below. Stipules redimentary. Catkins appear with the leaves on short, lateral branches.
Height
50 feet
Width
25 feet
Habitat
Habitat description
Riparian forests along streams, seepage areas, springs, sub-alkaline soils, canyons and ditches.
Plant Community
Riparian
Low elevation
2000
High elevation
7000
Leaves
Leaf color
Green
Leaf type
Simple
Leaf shape
Narrow
Leaf margin
Toothed
Leaf hairs
Top and bottom of leaves
Spines
No
Leaf Drop
Deciduous
Leaves alternate, 2 to 6 inches long and 3/4 inch wide with lance-like or oblong shapes and short pointed tips. Leaves green above, grayish-green beneath, edges finely toothed. Leaves sometimes slightly hairy.
Flowers
Flower color
Yellowish
Flower shape
Inconspicuous
Tubular
No
First bloom month
February
Last bloom month
June
Short leafy lateral stems hold tiny flowers in yellowish catkins. Male and female flowers are on separate trees. Flowers appear at the same time as the leaves.
Flower clusters
Elongated
Fruit
Fruit color
Yellowish
Fruit type
Capsule
Fruit is an elongated capsule bearing many cottony seeds.