Salix pentandra

Taxobox
name = "Salix pentandra"
status = secure

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image_width = 240px
image_caption = Bay Willow with early autumn colours, Kielder, Northumberland
regnum = Plantae
divisio = Magnoliophyta
classis = Magnoliopsida
ordo = Malpighiales
familia = Salicaceae
genus = "Salix"
species = "S. pentandra"
binomial = "Salix pentandra"
binomial_authority = L.

"Salix pentandra" (Bay Willow) is a species of willow native to northern Europe and northern Asia.Rushforth, K. (1999). "Trees of Britain and Europe". Collins ISBN 0-00-220013-9.]

It is a large shrub or small tree growing to 14 m tall (rarely to 17 m), usually growing in wet, boggy ground. The leaves are glossy dark green, 5-12 cm long and 2-5 cm broad, with a finely serrated margin. The dioecious flowers are catkins, produced in late spring after the leaves; the male catkins are yellow, 2-5 cm long, the female catkins greenish, 1.5-3 cm long; they are pollinated by bees. The fruit is a small capsule containing numerous minute seeds embedded in white down which aids wind dispersal.Mitchell, A. F. (1974). "A Field Guide to the Trees of Britain and Northern Europe". Collins ISBN 0-00-212035-6]

The scientific name refers to the male flowers having five stamens. The English name derives from the resemblance of the leaves to those of the Bay Laurel; other common names include Bay-leaved Willow and Laurel Willow. Its glossy leaves make it more decorative than many other willows, and it is often planted as an ornamental tree.

It has become locally naturalised in northern North America.

References