willow

Willow refers to deciduous trees and shrubs of the genus Salix, in the family Salicaceae. With around 300 species, willows are native to the temperate and boreal regions of the Northern Hemisphere. They typically grow in moist soils near rivers, lakes, or wetlands and are valued for rapid growth, flexible branches, and ecological benefits.

Leaves are narrow and simple, usually lanceolate with finely serrated margins. Most willow species are dioecious, bearing male or female catkins in early spring; pollination is primarily wind-driven. The wood is light and soft but strong for its weight, making it suitable for wickerwork, baskets, fences, and, in some species, cricket bats. The bark yields salicin, a chemical related to aspirin, and willow bark has long been used in traditional medicine for pain relief and fever reduction.

Ecologically, willows stabilize banks with their extensive root systems, support diverse wildlife, and can be used in phytoremediation and erosion control. They colonize disturbed sites and form dense thickets that provide shelter for birds and small mammals.

Notable species and cultivars include the weeping willow (Salix babylonica), known for its pendulous branches; white willow (Salix alba), valued for timber and baskets; and crack willow (Salix fragilis). In horticulture, willows are used as ornamentals and for riparian restoration.

In popular culture, Willow is also the title of a 1988 fantasy film directed by Ron Howard. A 2022 television series on Disney+ expands the story as a sequel to the film.