













































I 







REVISION OF THE BRITISH WILLOWS. 417 



/3. ser icans. (Salix ser leans, Tausch.) 



This, which includes " 8alix Smithiana" as generally understood, 

 is a most variable plant, and is almost inseparably connected with 

 stipularis on the one side and velutina on the other. 



From the former, its smaller and paler-coloured catkins, longer- 

 stalked capsules, and usually shorter and thicker stigmas, and from 

 the latter its rather larger catkins and shorter-stalked capsules, 

 are the best points of distinction ; whilst another, which separates 

 it from both, is to be found in the usually glabrous twigs. But 

 m any large series of specimens all these points will be found to 

 be subject to much variation. 



The leaves are very variable, not only in shape and size, but in 

 the nature and amount of the pubescence. In shape the leaves 

 pass — even in the same example — from ovate-oblong to linear- 

 lanceolate; whilst the pubescence of the underside may either 

 be silky or woolly, shining or dull, copious or almost altogether 

 absent. As a rule, the margin is entire or very slightly crenate ; 

 but in forms which approach velutina it is more evidently crenate 

 or even subserrate. These latter forms Andersson places in 

 modification 3. subobscura (of sericans). 



Some of the forms, as 1. latifolia, And., and 2. angustifolia 

 (Wimm.), And., are, as "Wichura has proved by experiment, 

 hybrids of S. viminalis with 8. Caprea; but the origin of others 

 (a8, e.g., 3, subobscura, And.) is not so clear. 



Under subobscura Andersson cites, as belonging in part, Wim- 

 roer's 8. cinerea-viminalis and S. aurita-viminalis ; and from the 

 characteristics of this form it seems very probable that 8. cinerea 

 an d 8. aurita are concerned in the production of some of its 

 Modifications. Some of the specimens which have been referred 

 to 8. rugosa, Leefe, should probably find a positiou here. 



To these forms Andersson adds a fourth — serotina, which, 

 however, he thinks is only accidental. It is distinguished by the 

 catkins being shortly but distinctly stalked, and the peduncle 

 furnished with small leaves. 



of thi 



Many 



is nature. 



Var. sericans seems to be the most common of the varieties of 

 ' Smi thiana, but appears to occur more frequently as a cul- 

 tlvated Plant or as an escape from cultivation than as a truly wild 



one. 

 It 



tifolia, 



Presents, however, great variability in small particulars 











