Key to Poplars and Willows
in New Zealand
Version 1.0.5
4. Tree form and leaves (not hanging down)
- 0. Poplar or Willow?
- Looks like a willow -> Willow - 1. Form
- Single trunk, thick bark > Tree Willow -> 2. Branchlets
- Not hanging down -> 4. Tree form and leaves (not hanging down)
Wide squat canopy, shiny broad leaves shaped like bay leaves, young leaves sticky
-> go to Salix pentandra + hybrids
Wide canopy, narrow elliptic hairless leaves, shiny dark green above, green below, width 1-3.5 cm, leaf buds red to orange
-> go to Salix lasiandra
Wide canopy, often multiple trunks, wide spreading branches, brittle stems, leaves thin with fine toothed margin, shiny green above, bluish green below
-> go to Salix fragilis (crack willow)
Medium sized tree, dark brown to blackish bark, leaves long and thin, dark shiny green on both sides, 1-2 cm wide, 9-15 cm length, tapering to elongate tips, tree often with several stems
-> go to Salix nigra
High narrow rounded crown, upright branches, leaves bright green above, green or whitish below
-> Salix matsudana and hybrids -> go to 5. Tree form and leaves (s. matsudana hybrids)