Species: Heartleaf Willow (Salix eriocephala) Native
Other names:
pussy willow, hoary willow, river willow, diamond willow
Size and form:
Large shrubs, to shrubby trees. This species ranges across most of Ontario. It is also a highly variable species.
Field Id Features:
This species often has galls shaped like pine cones on the tips
of its branches. The leaves are lanced -shaped, finely toothed,
100 - 150mm long, and have dark green upper surfaces, with pale
(glabrous - no hairs) undersides. This species also has stipules
(small mini leaves where the leaf attaches to the twig) that
are 10-20mm long, and persistent.
Habitat:
Commonly found in roadside ditches, abandoned fields, alongside
streams, and rivers. Can also be found growing in dry, well
drained soils.
Relevance to Soil Bioengineering:
This species grows readily from cuttings. Of all the willows
in Ontario, S. eriocephala appears to flourish in the widest
variety of growing conditions. S. eriocephala coppices readily,
and can be harvested repeatedly. It is also one of the most
common shrub willows, often growing in large, pure stands.
The root system is shallow and fibrous, but reaches as
considerable distance from the stem. S. eriocephala can
tolerate partial shading.
