DECIDUOUS ORNAMENTAL TREES. 
211 
The Willow Tree. 8alix. 
Nat. Ord. Salicaceae. Lin. Syst. Dicecia, 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.f 
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, de- 
serve especial notice. These are the Weeping, or Babylonian 
willow, (8alix Babylonica ;) the White, or Huntington wil- 
low, (8. alba;) the Golden willow, (8. vitellina;) the Russell 
willow, {8. Russelliana ;) and the profuse Flowering wil- 
low, (8. 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 ren- 
ders 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. 8alix caprea is deserving a place 
in collections, for the beauty of its abundant blossoms, at an 
t Dr. Barratt of Middletown, Conn., who has paid great attention to the willow, 
enumerates 100 species, as growing in North America, either indigenous or in- 
troduced. 
