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)

Shiny-leaved Willow (Salix x meyeriana)

Family: Salicaceae

Common name: Shiny-leaved Willow

Scientific name: Salix x meyeriana

Date taken: 16/5/2024

Notes: Native species in the UK. Hybrid between the Bay Willow (S. pentandra) and Crack Willow (S. fragilis). Differs from the former by having 3-4 stamens rather than 5-8 stamens per flower. Differs from the latter by having glabrous and shiny young leaves. 

This plant had a healthy dose of beetles munching on its leaves. 

Hairless young leaves

3-4 stamens per flower