DECIDUOUS ORNAMENTAL TREES. 207 



THE WILLOW TREE. Salix. 

 Nat. Ord. Salicaceoe. Lin. Syst. Dioecia, Diandria. 



A very large genus, comprising plants of almost every 

 stature, from minute shrubs of three or four inches in 

 height, to lofty and wide-spreading trees of fifty or sixty 

 feet.* They are generally remarkable for their narrow 

 leaves, and slender, round, and flexible branches. 



There are few of these willows which are adapted to 

 add to the beauty of artificial scenery ; but among them 

 are three or four trees, which, from their peculiar 

 character, deserve especial notice. These are the Weep- 

 ing, or Babylonian willow (Salix Babylonica), the White, 

 or Huntington willow (S. alba), the Golden willow 

 (S. vitellina), the Russell willow (S. Russelliana), and the 

 profuse Flowering willow (S. caprea). 



The above are all foreign sorts, which, however (except 

 the last), have long ago been introduced, and are now 

 quite common in the United States. All of them except 

 the first, have an upright or wavy, spreading growth, and 

 form lofty trees, considerably valued abroad for their 

 timber. The White willow and the Russell willow are 

 very rapid in their growth, and have a pleasing light green 

 foliage. The Golden willow is remarkable for its bright 

 yellow bark, which renders it quite ornamental, even in 

 winter. It is a middle sized tree, and is often seen 

 growing along the road-sides in the eastern and middle 

 states. Salix caprea is deserving a place in collections 

 for the beauty of its abundant blossoms at an early and 

 cheerless period in the spring. 



* Dr. Barratt of Middletown, Conn., who has paid great attention to the 

 willow, enumerates 100 species, as growing in North America, eithel 

 indigenous or introduced. 



