Grey Willow
Grey Willow (Salix cinerea) is a deciduous tree found growing naturally throughout our Cloudforest sites. It can grow up to 10 metres high and just as wide. An absolute haven for biodiversity, the Grey Willow provides food and shelter for many insects, birds and mammal species.
A hugely important tree early in the year, its catkins appear before the leaves emerge (from late February to April) and provide an abundant early nectar and pollen source in early spring for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. While Grey Willow can be pollinated by insects, it is usually wind-pollinated. It is a dioecious tree, meaning male and female flowers grow on separate trees - so in order for the female tree’s catkins to be pollinated, there must be a male tree somewhere in the vicinity.
The leaves emerge in late spring, and they are an important food source for the caterpillars of many insect species including a number of moths. The tree’s shrubby aspect means it is a great plant for birds to shelter and nest within. Birds forage for insects within the leafy protection of this shrubby tree.
The oval leaves are broad with a silvery underside that is felt-like to the touch, and are about twice as long as they are wide - this can help you distinguish it from the similar Goat Willow whose leaves are shorter in comparison to their width.
The young stems of the Grey Willow are lightly furred and can look reddish in the sunlight. As the branches age, the bark become grey and thickens, developing diamond shaped fissures.
If the tree is coppiced, the young straight stems that regrow can be used for basket-making.
