Seasonal Wild Flowers

Latin name

Salix purpurea

Family

Salicaceae

Flowering season

March to April (sometimesd into May)

English distribution

It is found throughout the country

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

Purple Willow

Habitat

It grows on wet ground in woodland marshes and fens, on

hillsides and by ponds, streams and rivers. at wood

margins, on damp hillsides, by streams and rivers, on

river shingle, in marshes and fens.

It is cultivated as an osier and used in basketry.

Description

Purple Willow is a native, variable shrub growing up

to 1.5m or a tree up to 5m.

Catkins are short. Each male flower has 2 stamens which

have fused filaments appearing as one. 

The anthers are dark, then purple-orange and then yellow

with pollen. 

The catkin is covered in white hairs and dark purple 

scales.

Leaves are opposite, linear, pale green, slightly hairy

below and up to 8cm.

Young stems are purple-brown, older ones grey.