62 TREES GROWING NEAR WATER. 



small tree. It establishes itself along the borders of woods and 

 often in dry soil as well as remains faithfully by the side of 

 streams. 



SILKY WILLOW. {Plate XXI) 



Saltx sericea. 



Twigs: reddish purple; slender. Stipules: narrow; deciduous. Leaves: 

 simple ; alternate, with petioles three to four inches long ; lanceolate, with 

 taper-pointed apex and pointed or rounded base ; serrate ; extremely soft and 

 silky when young. As the leaves dry they turn dark brown or black. Flow- 

 ers ; growing in long sessile catkins with leafy bracts at their bases. 



Surely there is an inspiration to be found in the willow 

 shrubs as they unfold the earliest signs of spring. About them 

 there is a golden halo as soon as the sap begins to flow. The 

 little buds expand so radiantly, and the shy catkins peep out 

 and grow longer with every touch of warm, sunny air. There 

 is something so fresh and lively about them. They are eager 

 to cast off every sign of deadness. Along the streams and by 

 the borders of swamps the silky willow seems to cling with a 

 tender affection. The shrub is a native of America. 



WEEPING WILLOW. RING WILLOW. (Plate XXII) 



Salix Babylonica. 



FAMILY SHAPE HEIGHT RANGE TIME OF BLOOM 



Willow. Branches, pendulous. 30-60 feet. In cultivation. April, May. 



Bark: grey; rough. Twigs : greenish; long; drooping ; supple; bitter to the 

 taste. Leaves: simple; alternate; linear-lanceolate; pointed at both ends; 

 sharply serrate all around ; when young slightly pubescent on the under side. 

 Flowers : dioecious; growing in long, loose catkins with entire scales and ter- 

 minal at the end of short, leafy and lateral branches. 



When the spring winds skimmer gaily 



Along the mirthful stream, 

 Then the stately, reverend willow 



Wears a gown of tender green. 



