Three hundred or more types of shrubs and trees are called willows. One of the most familiar is the weeping willow, a large tree with drooping branches and twigs. The pussy willow is another familiar member of the willow family. It is a shrub or small tree that has silvery white, furry buds on its branches in the spring. People sometimes take cuttings of these attractive branches and use them in flower arrangements and other decorations.

Where willows grow

Willows are native to mild northern areas, and today they grow throughout the world in warm to cold regions. Because most willows prefer moist ground, they tend to grow near water such as rivers, lakes, or swamps. A few types prefer dry soil.

Physical features

The many different kinds of willows vary greatly in size and shape. They range from low shrubs that grow just a few inches above the soil to large trees that reach more than 100 feet (30 meters) in height. One of the largest willows in North America is a tree called the black willow. It can grow taller than 65 feet (20 meters). The different forms of willows include thickly matted shrubs, slender shrubs and trees, and trees with thick trunks and broad, spreading branches. The corkscrew willow is known for its twisted branches.

The bark of willows may be gray, brown, or nearly black, depending on the type of tree. Some willows develop rough bark. The leaves are narrow and green. Willow flowers grow in clusters along a short strand. The twigs are slender and flexible. On some trees the twigs are bright yellow, orange, or red. The twigs of most willows easily take root if they break off and become lodged in soil.

Uses

People plant willows in parks and gardens for their beautiful shape, but they have other uses as well. Willow trees have tough, deep roots that help hold soil in place. For this reason they are sometimes planted in places where soil erosion is a problem, such as along rivers and streams. Some types of willows are also valued for their wood, which is tough but lightweight. Willow wood is used to make such products as tool handles, baseball bats, boxes, doors, and furniture. The twigs are sometimes used to make baskets. The bark from some willows also yields a substance called salicin, which is used in some pain relievers.