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Almond Willow

Salix triandra

Please keep in mind that it is illegal to uproot a plant without the landowner's consent and care should be taken at all times not to damage wild plants. Wild plants should never be picked for pleasure and some plants are protected by law.
For more information please download the BSBI Code of Conduct PDF document.

Contents

Plant Profile

Flowering Months:
JAN  FEB  MAR  APR  MAY  JUN  JUL  AUG  SEP  OCT  NOV  DEC
Order:
Malpighiales
Family:
Salicaceae (Willow)
Type:
Deciduous tree
Life Cycle:
Perennial
Maximum Size:
10 metres tall
Habitats:
Gardens, marshes, riversides, waterside, wetland, woodland.

Flower:
֍
Yellow, no petals
 
Yellowish-green catkins. The male catkins are up to 8cm long; flowers have 3 stamens each. Most willow species have either 2 or 5 stamens each per flower. The female catkins are up to 4cm long. Pollinated by bees.
Fruit:
A small capsule. The seeds ripen in June.
Leaves:
Broadly lanceolate leaves reaching a maximum of 11cm in length and 3cm wide. The glossy twigs are ridged and hairless.
Aroma:
The smooth and flaking bark smells of almonds.
Other Names:
Almond-leaved Willow, French Willow, Osier, Three-stamen Willow.
Frequency (UK):
Occasionally seen  

Other Information

Summary

Salix triandra, also known as Almond-leaved Willow or Three-stamen Willow, is a species of willow tree that is native to Europe and Asia. It is a medium-sized tree that can grow up to 15 meters tall. The tree is known for its almond-shaped leaves and its yellowish-brown bark. The bark of the tree contains salicin, which is used in the production of aspirin. Almond-leaved willow is also used in traditional medicine for various ailments, including fever, pain, and inflammation. It is also a popular ornamental tree, grown for its attractive leaves and bark. It is also used for erosion control, for its ability to stabilize banks and slopes, and for wildlife habitat.

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Almond Willow, also known as Salix triandra, is a deciduous shrub or small tree that belongs to the willow family (Salicaceae). It is native to Europe and Asia and is widely distributed in the Northern Hemisphere. This species is known for its attractive appearance, fast growth, and adaptability to different climates and soil types.

Appearance

Salix triandra is a medium-sized shrub or small tree that can grow up to 10 meters tall. It has a straight trunk and a rounded crown that spreads widely. The leaves of the almond willow are long, narrow, and a dark green color with a glossy appearance. They are often slightly curved and have a glossy appearance. The bark of the tree is smooth and gray, while the branches are flexible and slightly yellow in color.

In the spring, Salix triandra produces small, yellowish-green catkins that are 3-5 cm long. The catkins are followed by tiny, inconspicuous flowers that produce seeds in the summer. The seeds are encased in a silky, cotton-like substance that helps them disperse on the wind.

Culture

Salix triandra is an adaptable plant that grows well in a variety of soils and climates. It is tolerant of both wet and dry conditions and can thrive in areas with high rainfall or low rainfall. It is also resistant to many common diseases and pests, making it an ideal choice for gardeners who are looking for a low-maintenance plant.

This species is also fast-growing, making it ideal for erosion control or for planting in areas that need quick coverage. It is often used in landscaping and horticulture for its attractive appearance, fast growth, and adaptability to different soils and climates.

Uses

Salix triandra has a number of uses, both in the landscape and in various industries. In the landscape, it is often used as a decorative plant or for erosion control. It is also commonly used in horticulture and landscaping as a quick-growing screen or hedge.

In industry, the wood of Salix triandra is used for a variety of purposes, including furniture-making, paper production, and firewood. The bark of the tree is also used to make baskets and other woven products, while the leaves are used to produce dyes and medicinal products.

Salix triandra is a fast-growing, adaptable plant that is known for its attractive appearance, versatility, and low-maintenance nature. Whether you're planting a hedge or using it for erosion control, this species is a great choice for any gardener or landscaper looking for a reliable and attractive addition to their property.

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In addition to its ornamental and industrial uses, Salix triandra also has ecological importance. As a deciduous shrub or small tree, it provides important habitats for a variety of wildlife species, including birds, insects, and mammals. The leaves and bark of the tree also provide food for grazing animals and insects.

Salix triandra is also known for its ability to grow in areas with poor soil and disturbed sites, making it a useful plant for rehabilitating degraded landscapes. In areas with heavy soil erosion, the roots of Salix triandra help to stabilize the soil and reduce further erosion. This species is also tolerant of salt and is often used to stabilize and prevent erosion in coastal areas.

In traditional medicine, various parts of Salix triandra have been used to treat a variety of ailments, including fever, inflammation, and skin conditions. The leaves and bark of the tree contain compounds that have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and pain-relieving properties.

In terms of cultivation, Salix triandra is easy to grow and care for. It is hardy in USDA hardiness zones 3 to 7 and can be propagated from cuttings or seeds. The plant prefers full sun to partial shade and moist soil, but it is tolerant of a range of soil conditions and can grow in soils with varying levels of moisture.

Salix triandra is a valuable and versatile plant that has a variety of uses and benefits. Whether you are a gardener, landscaper, or an ecologist, this species is a great choice for your next project.

In addition to its ornamental and practical uses, Salix triandra also has cultural and historical significance. In many cultures, willows, including Salix triandra, are associated with healing and renewal, and they are often planted near homes and sacred spaces for their protective qualities.

Willows have also been used for thousands of years for their flexible wood, which was used to make baskets, fishing rods, and musical instruments. The wood of Salix triandra is strong and flexible, making it ideal for a variety of crafting purposes.

Another important aspect of Salix triandra is its role in bioenergy production. As a fast-growing and sustainable source of woody biomass, this species has the potential to be used for energy production in the future. Bioenergy is a renewable source of energy that can be produced from plant materials and has the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and dependence on non-renewable energy sources.

Finally, it's worth mentioning that Salix triandra is a relatively understudied species, and there is still much to learn about its ecology, biology, and potential uses. As our understanding of this species grows, it's likely that we will discover new and exciting applications for Salix triandra in the years to come.

In conclusion, Salix triandra is a multifaceted species that has a variety of uses and benefits. Whether you're looking for an attractive and adaptable ornamental plant, a source of sustainable energy, or a symbol of renewal and protection, Salix triandra is a species that is well worth considering.


Distribution Map

Reproduced by kind permission of the BSBI.

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