Sitka willow Salicaceae Salix sitchensis

Leaf:Alternate, simple, deciduous, obovate to oblanceolate, widest above the midpoint and tapering to a narrow base, 1 1/2 to 3 inches long, edges smooth or with tiny gladular teeth, petioles are short and velvety with half-oval stipules that fall off early in the growing season on slow-growing twigs but remain throughout the growing season on rapidly growing twigs; shiny green on top, with silky, flattened hairs underneath; underside is noted for a satiny sheen.
Flower:Species is dioecious; cream to yellow colored catkins that stand upright from the branches; up to 2 to 3 inches long, appearing either slightly before or with the new leaves in early spring.
Fruit:Small, silky, wind-dispersed seeds from tear-shaped capsules, develop and shed early in the growing season.
Twig:Pubescent and yellow-green when young, but turning hairless and reddish brown with age; brittle at the base.
Bark:Gray and smooth or slightly furrowed and scaly.
Form:A large shrub or small tree, 3 to 25 tall and up to 12 inches in stem diameter.

leaf flower fruit twig bark form map

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