Vermont Shrubs and Woody Vines 73 



somewhat smaller than the last, dark green and smooth above, 

 persistently gray-woolly below with the margins commonly more 

 or less rolled downward or reflexed. 



SHINING wiELOW. Salix lucida Muhl. 



The shining willow is a tall shrub or low bushy tree of six 

 to fifteen feet, common on moist banks and roadside thickets 

 throughout the state. It is easily recognized by its glossy or 

 shining leaves which may flash the light as if wax-polished. 

 These are large, (three to five by one to one and one-half 

 inches) taper pointed, darker above but also green and shining 

 below. The staminate catkins are large and showy but less 

 familiar than those of the pussy willow, partly because they are 

 later, appearing with the leaves in early May, It deserves wide 

 use for ornamental planting, being the most valuable of the 

 native willows for this purpose, both on account of its beautiful 

 lustrous foliage and its showy catkins. For such purpose the 

 staminate plants should be selected. Since the sex cannot be 

 determined in young plants, for such use, old roots should be 

 moved or else cuttings taken from the desired plants. Al- 

 though preferring moisture it will grow in dry soil. 



HEART-LEAVED wiEEOW. Salix cordata Muhl. 



The heart-leaved willow is a tall, stout, branched shrub of 

 five to twelve feet, with a number of varieties and hybrids. This 

 is common with the pussy willow in low wet soils throughout 

 Vermont. The flower catkins precede the leaves and are com- 

 paratively small and slender. The twigs are slightly downy 

 or smooth. The leaves serve best to distinguish it, being 

 long and narrow, lance-shaped, with base usually somewhat 

 rounded or heart-shaped and margins varying from sharply 

 toothed to nearly entire. They are green on both sides or 

 slightly paler beneath, the young ones often silky or downy but 

 becoming smooth with age. The stipules are usually large and 

 conspicuous, especially on the vigorous young shoots and help 

 in its recognition. 



