278 WOODY PLANTS OF MASSACHUSETTS. 



willows of this fine group, by its broad, heart-shaped, glossy, 

 deep-green leaves, wavy margin, and sharp point ; also by its 

 large stipules. The staminate plant, in flowering time, may 

 also be distinguished by its long and slender catkins, and the 

 absence of the irised ring or zone, exhibited by S. rigida and 

 S. cordata in flowering time, when the anthers are elevated 

 above their respective scales and short fine hairs. The pis- 

 tillate plant may also be distinguished early in spring by its 

 delicate, flesh-colored, four-parted stigma. The leaves do not 

 blacken in drying; it is very distinct from IS. rigida and iS. 

 cordata. This is probably one of the best native willows we 

 possess, for protecting the banks of rivers with rapid currents. 

 It does not grow as high, and is more disposed to spread in 

 these situations than its congeners, S. cordata and >$". rigida. 

 It furnishes abundance of stout twigs or rods." — Barratt. 



I found this beautiful willow growing abundantly along the 

 banks of the Connecticut, in Longmeadow and Springfield, and 

 also on the plains between the Arsenal and Chicopee Falls. 

 As found growing on the uplands, it is a showy plant, six or 

 eight feet high, stem erect or bending, of a light gray color with 

 blackish clouds. Branches long, bending upwards, of a shining 

 gray. Twigs bronzed or yellowish- green, with a red or pur- 

 plish hue above. Stipules very large, half-heart-shaped, round- 

 ed above, often folded around the leaf so as to appear double. 

 Leaves rich and luxuriant, hearted or rounded at base, broad, 

 oblong-lanceolate, tapering gradually to a long point ; footstalks 

 short. 



There is a great resemblance between the last three willows, 

 and it is only by very attentive study that they can be clearly 

 distinguished. Torrey's willow has doubtless been confounded 

 with the two previous, until Dr. Barratt, by planting them side 

 by side, has availed himself of the opportunities thus presented 

 of comparing them in all stages of their growth, and at all 

 seasons. 



I have specimens from Williamstown, of what Dr. Barratt 

 tells me is & angustata of Pursh, but I have had no opportu- 

 nity of particularly examining the plant. I had taken it for 

 a narrow-leaved variety of $. cordata. 



