wilgen

Wilgen is the Dutch plural form for willows, the common name for trees and shrubs of the genus Salix in the family Salicaceae. The genus includes around 200 species, ranging from small shrubs to large trees. Willows are typically deciduous and are characterized by slender, flexible branches, narrow leaves, and catkins that appear in spring. Most species are dioecious, with male and female flowers on separate plants, and wind pollination is common.

Willows favor moist environments such as riverbanks, wetlands, and damp woods. They exhibit rapid growth and can form dense stands or thickets; their extensive root systems help stabilize soils and reduce erosion. Some species tolerate flooding or brackish conditions, contributing to their role in landscape and ecological restoration projects.

Uses and cultural notes: Willow wood is light and pliable, making it suitable for wickerwork, baskets, and trained ornamental forms such as weeping willows. Willow bark contains salicin, a chemical related to aspirin, historically used as an analgesic; aspirin was later developed from this compound. In landscaping, willows are valued for rapid screening and ornamental value, though many species have weaker wood and shorter urban lifespans.

Notable species include Salix alba (white willow), Salix babylonica (weeping willow), and Salix nigra (black willow). Conservation concerns mainly relate to wetland drainage and habitat loss, with some species threatened in parts of their range. Willows play important ecological roles by providing habitat for wildlife and contributing to bank stabilization and water quality in appropriate environments.