Key to Poplars and Willows
in New Zealand
Version 1.0.5
6. Tree form and leaves (Osiers)
- 0. Poplar or Willow?
- Looks like a willow -> Willow - 1. Form
- Multiple stems, thin bark > Shrub or Osier Willow -> 6. Tree form and leaves (Osiers)
Leaves dark green and shiny upper surface, white and felty under-side, leaves very close together on stem and hanging down, branches often lateral and bark is knobbly
-> go to Salix schwerinii ‘Kinuyanagi’
Leaves mid-green above, light green and downy below, leaves upright on long vertical stems, leaves long (12-14 cm) and narrow and slightly curled at the edges, non-bitter taste, leaves alternate
-> go to Salix viminalis
Leaves midgreen above, slightly lighter below, leaves 6 - 10 cm long and bitter taste, often opposite buds, leaves opposite, vertical stems with a reddish tinge, 7-8 m tall (several cultivars)
-> go to Salix purpurea ('Irette', 'Holland', 'Pohangina', 'Booth')
Multi-stemmed, spreading tree form, height to 8 m, small leaves like Salix purpurea.
-> go to Salix glaucophylloides x viminalis ’Glenmark’