Knowra Salix alba Salix alba Salix alba, or white willow, is a deciduous tree native to Europe and western and central Asia. Its pale, silky leaf undersides and flexible branches distinguish it from many other willows.
Salix : Salix is a genus of deciduous trees and shrubs commonly known as willows. White willow is one species within this large, taxonomically challenging genus.
Pollination : Pollination is the transfer of pollen from a flower’s anther to a receptive stigma. In white willow, insects transfer pollen between male and female catkins.
Willow bark : Willow bark is the outer and inner bark of plants in the genus Salix, containing salicin and related compounds. White willow bark has been harvested for traditional remedies and chemical study.
Salix fragilis : Salix fragilis, or crack willow, is a large willow species known for brittle branch bases. Crack willow resembles white willow and has hybridized with it extensively.
Salix alba var. caerulea : Salix alba var. caerulea is a cultivated form of white willow valued for its timber. This variety has been selected and grown for producing cricket bats.
Salicaceae : Salicaceae is a family of flowering plants that includes willows and poplars. This family places white willow among its close botanical relatives.
Wind dispersal : Wind dispersal is the movement of seeds or other propagules by air currents. Fine hairs help carry white willow seeds away from the parent tree.
Aspirin : Aspirin is a medicine whose active ingredient, acetylsalicylic acid, relieves pain, fever, and inflammation. Willow-derived salicin helped inspire the development of aspirin, though aspirin is a distinct compound.
Salix × rubens : Salix × rubens is a hybrid willow resulting from crosses between Salix alba and Salix fragilis. This widespread hybrid makes field identification of white willow difficult.
Cricket bat willow : Cricket bat willow is timber from selected white willow trees used to make cricket bats. Its light, resilient wood makes white willow a distinctive source of sporting equipment.
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