Bay Willow |
Salix pentandra |
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Photo © Stuart Dunlop |
Not uncommon in Argyll but rare elsewhere. Specimens near habitation are often of planted origin, but it does occur as a native. Wet lowland situations, often beside burns. Shrub or tree to c 7 m high. Leaves c 5-12 cm long. ID: Leaves dark green and glossy above, paler on the underside, hairless, somewhat leathery, c 2.5-4 x as long as broad, with acute tips. Leaves somewhat fragrant, edged with small close gland-tipped teeth that ooze gum. Twigs hairless, shiny. Other features: Stamens c 5 per flower, compared with 2-3 in all other Willow species. |