Salix phylicifolia - Tea-leaved Willow

Here are two pictures of Salix phylicifolia, Tea-leaved Willow showing the growth to July.

Picture of Salix phylicifolia		Close up picture of Salix phylicifolia

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Description

Salix phylicifolia is a robust, many branched shrub or small tree which generally grows to between 2 and 3 m high but which can reach 5m. The bark of Tea-leaved willow is greyish and lightly fissured and twigs are usually reddish-brown.

Leaves are rigid and coriaceous, they are bright shiny green above and glaucous below. They do not turn black on dying. Leaves are 2-6 cm long and 1-5cm wide and at first thinly pubescent soon becoming glabrous on both sides.

Catkins appear with the leaves in April and May. Males are yellow and between 1.5-4 cm long and 1-1.5 cm wide, females are a similar length but narrower tapering to a slender neck.

Distribution

Salix phylicifolia is locally abundant on moist rocky ground, commonly on carboniferous limestone, from Lancashire and Yorkshire north to the Orkneys. It has been recorded from near sea-level up to 670m in the Highlands. Tea-leaved willow is very rare in Ireland being confined to the counties of Leitrim and Sligo.