Willow is a large group of graceful trees and shrubs that usually have slender branches and narrow leaves. The smallest willow is a shrub about 1 inch (2.5 centimeters) high that grows in Arctic regions and above the timber line on mountains. The largest willows grow over 120 feet (37 meters) high.
Willows usually grow near water. Sometimes they are planted in damp regions so that their roots take up water and dry the soil. The roots interlace to form a tough network that holds the soil together and prevents soil erosion. Willows also are planted to provide shade and to protect fields from winds.
The twigs of the willow are soft and slender, and they bend easily. Because of this, the wood is used to make baskets and wicker furniture. The wood of some willows also produces a high grade of charcoal that once was used to make gunpowder. The bark yields a chemical that the human body converts to a salicylate, a group of compounds to which aspirin belongs. In the past, people in various parts of the world used willow bark to relieve pain and fever. Most willows have long, narrow leaves that taper to a point and have finely toothed edges. Some willows have small, oval-shaped leaves.
In early spring, willows produce upright clusters of tiny, yellowish-green flowers. These flower clusters are called catkins because they resemble a cat’s tail. The female flower develops a flask-shaped pod that splits open and releases tiny seeds with white, silky hairs.
The black willow is an important tree in the Eastern United States. Most willow lumber comes from the black willow. The lumber is used mainly for boxes, crates, and wicker furniture. This willow has rough, dark bark.
Wicker furniture and baskets are also made from young shoots of the shrubby basket willow. The basket willow was brought to North America from Europe and now grows in the Northeastern United States.
The white willow is a popular decorative tree. The underside of its leaves appears white and silky. The weeping willow, thought to be native to China, has graceful, drooping branches. The pussy willow develops furry catkins. People often use pussy willow twigs as decorations.
