Bay Willow

Bay Willow Overview

Salix pentandra is a deciduous tree species from the Salicaceae family. Originating from Europe to Mongolia, it is commonly known by the names Bay Willow and Bay-Leaved Willow, amongst others. It is hardy and has a bushy habit, easily growing to 15m in height. Leaves are dark green with finely serrated edges and measure up to 12cm in length. Young foliage is sticky, appearing from narrow green-brown buds. Flowers appear from late spring to early summer, after the leaves. They are arranged in catkin structures and this species is dioecious and so produces male and female flowers on different plants. The female flowers are green and the male flowers yellow. Bark is coloured dark grey and has scaly textured ridges which cross. Stems are green-brown in colour and have a smoother texture.