Salix alba - the silver willow

The silver willow (Salix alba) is a spreading, broad tree that produces yellow flowers arranged in catkins. They appear from April to May. The willow also has hairy, lanceolate, gray-green leaves.

The silver willow (Salix alba) is a sprawling, stately tree with an elegant growth habit and characteristic foliage that creates a special aesthetic effect. From April to May, it bears delicate, yellow catkin-shaped flowers that emphasize its natural beauty.

Its narrow, lanceolate leaves are finely hairy on the underside and shimmer in a striking gray-green, giving the silver willow its name. With its deep roots, it prefers moist locations such as riverbanks and alluvial forests, where it helps to stabilize the soil and promote biodiversity.

First scientifically described by Carl von Linné in 1753, the silver willow is now widespread in large parts of Europe (with the exception of Scandinavia), in North Africa and as far as Central Asia. Its robust nature and rapid growth make it a valuable element in near-natural landscapes and in the ecological design of urban spaces.

The silver willow combines an impressive appearance with functional importance and remains an essential component of natural ecosystems.