Seasonal Wild Flowers

Latin name

Salix triandra

Other names

Almond-leaved Willow

Family

Salicaceae

Flowering season

April to May

English distribution

It is found throughout the country but is less common in

the North and the Southwest.

For a map see the Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland –

Almond Willow

Habitat

It is an archaeophyte which grows by rivers, streams and

ponds and in marshes.

It has been grown traditionally for basket weaving and can

be found in osier-beds.

Description

Almond Willow is a deciduous shrub or tree growing up

to 12m.

Male and female flowers are in catkins and are found on 

separate trees.

Male catkins are up to 5cm and each flower has 3 stamens

(the only willow in the Uk to have 3 stamens per flower).

Female catkins (not shown) are shorter.

Leaves are lanceolate to oblong lanceolate, rounded at

the base and regularly serrate.

The twigs are olive-brown or brown, shiny and hairless.

The bark is light brown and ridged. The ridges flake off

leaving a smooth grey bark.