By Emma Hogbin in Plants —

Willow (Salix)

Willow (Salix)
Willow buds, flowers, and leaves

Identification

Alternating leaves, which are usually long and slender. Buds are often fuzzy. Catkins look like enlarged buds, standing upright, and away from the tree. Seeds are light and float like dandelion heads.

Botany

Enjoys wet soil and river banks. It is common for willow trees to hybridise, so identification to the species level can be quite difficult.

Part of the plant to use

Leaves, bark

Lore

Willow was known as the muse to poets in Ancient Greece.

Colour

Willow ink modified with iron (grey) and citric acid (white/clear)

Browns: cooked in alkali

Reddish-brown: cooked in stronger alkali

Greys: add iron II sulphate