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There
are a number of other willows that reach small tree size. They
have finely toothed leaves that are long and narrow -- but not
as long or narrow as black willow leaves. Like black willow,
they usually are found along streams, lakes and ponds because
seedlings growing from tiny seed require an immediate and constant
supply of moisture to survive.
Weeping willow (Salix babylonica L) is a native of eastern Asia
that has been planted as an ornamental tree throughout the state.
It has escaped and become naturalized along streams and other
wet sites. Its long, pendulous branchlets and graceful, weeping
form make it the easiest willow to recognize.
White willow (Salix alba L), like weeping willow, is not a native
of North America. It was introduced from Europe as an ornamental
tree, escaped and has become widely naturalized. Its branchlets
are dark green to brown and often are covered with long, silky
hairs. The petiole (see the foreward for an example) of white
willow have small swollen discs at the base of the leaf blade
called glands, which are not found on the leaves of other willows.
The undersurface of white willow leaves, in keeping with the
tree's name, is distinctly white or pale gray.
Carolina, or swamp, willow (Salix caroliniana Michaux.) grows
throughout the Coastal Plain and along rivers and streams into
the Piedmont. It maybe distinguished from black willow by its
leaves, which are wider and distinctly whitish on the underside.
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