Salix laevigata

 Salix laevigata (red willow) ( )

Salicaceae



  • Red willow is a tree with a prominent main trunk. It is characterized by leaves that are grayish or gray-white on their lower surface, reaches heights of 20-30 feet or even taller under optimal growing conditions. This is a riparian willow that forms riparian thickets. Willows lose their leaves during winter months. While it may seem strange to have such moisture-loving species in the desert, the presence of a relatively permanent flow or groundwater pool of available freshwater provides conditions well suited for growth. So long as water is available, high summer temperatures present little or no threat.  "California Desert Plants, Philip W Runder, Robert J Gustafson, Michael E Kauffmann."
  • Tree to 15 m. tall, the bark rough, the twigs reddish brown, glabrous; winter buds pointed; stipules minute, caducous; petioles 4-10 mm. long, the blades oblong-elliptic, acute at both ends or obtuse at base, green above, glaucous below; staminate catkins lax, erect, 3-10 cm. long, the peduncle leafy, the stamens 4-7, the filaments free; pistillate slender, 2-5 cm. long, the peduncle leafy; capsule ovoid. Swamps and stream courses: Coast Ranges, southern California; east to Utah and Arizona. Distinguishable by its treelike habit, broadly elliptic mature leaves, absence of glands on petiole, and 4-6 stamens. "A Flora of the Marshes of California. Herbert L. Mason".

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