Eared Willow (Salix aurita)

Family: Salicaceae

Common name: Eared Willow

Scientific name: Salix aurita

Date taken: 26/5/2024

Notes: Willows (Salix spp.) are tricky to identify as there are many similar species that readily hybridise. I'm keying this down to Eared Willow (S. aurita) here based on the following - 

1. Tall shrub or small tree
2. Leaves small (<6cm in length) and ovate
3. Stipules retained (i.e. forming "ears" on twigs)
4. Underside of leaves and twigs hairy
5. Hairs on leaves greyish-white (vs mixed rusty in Grey Willow (S. cinerea))
6. Leaves are quite wrinkled with strongly undulating margins (vs less wrinkled in Grey Willow)