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 clevated 
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 S. rigida and &. 
corddia. '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. corddta and S. 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 Chicopce Falls. 
As found growing on the uplands, it isa showy plant, six or 
eight feet high, stem erect or bending, ofa 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 S. angustdta of Pursh, but I have had no opportu- 
nity of particularly examining the plant. 1 had taken it for 
a narrow-leaved variety of S. corddta. 
