Plant Profile: Salix alba var. sericea

This species, originally from Europe, has successfully established itself across North Carolina. Typically, these trees reach heights of 60 to 75 feet, featuring a rounded crown adorned with low, drooping branches. Their leaves are elongated and slender, characterized by serrated edges, with the undersides displaying a silvery-white, downy texture. The stems range in color from dark green to brown and are covered in fine hairs. A distinctive trait of this willow species is the presence of small, round "glands" located at the junction of the petiole and leaf base, setting it apart from other willows.

White Willow trees thrive in full sunlight and require plenty of moisture to grow and flourish. Consequently, they are commonly found in natural settings near rivers, streams, lakes, and ponds.