What Are Two Types of Trees, in Addition to Willows, That Are Memebers of the Willow Family?

Linda Crampton is a writer and former science teacher with an honors degree in biological science. She enjoys writing most science and nature.

Willow Plants

Willows are attractive and interesting plants that accept many uses. The plants vest to the genus Salix and exist as copse or shrubs. They are famous for their salicin content. The study of this chemical'due south structure led to the creation of acetylsalicyclic acid (also known as ASA and aspirin). Some other potentially useful chemic named miyabeacin has recently been discovered in the genus. The chemical might help to fight some types of cancer, though it has only been tested in prison cell cultures at the moment.

Willows grow well where I alive and are one of my favourite plants. I'one thousand always pleased to come across their catkins appear in leap. In this article, I hash out the following topics related to the plants.

The willow family
Leaves
Catkins
Selected willow species
The Salley Gardens song
Salicin
Miyabeacin
Uses of willows

A weeping willow tree in Vancouver in the middle of March — A weeping willow tree in Vancouver in the centre of March

Linda Crampton

The Willow Family

Willows belong to the plant group known as Angiosperms (flowering plants) and the family Salicaceae. Poplar trees, cottonwoods, and aspens too belong to this family unit. The members of the family unit are valued by many people. Their flowers are arranged in catkins and are often an attractive sight in early spring.

Wild willows are plant mainly in the northern hemisphere and in areas with a temperate climate and moist soil. Some species live in common cold regions such as chill and alpine environments, however, where they may attain only a few inches above the footing and have an atypical appearance. Willows are popular as cultivated plants and are planted in some areas where they don't grow naturally.

The Salix genus contains several hundred species. The stated number ranges from three hundred to a niggling over four hundred, depending on the source. Naturally-created hybrids and ones created by horticulturists produce an fifty-fifty larger number of willow types. They are interesting to explore.

The white willow (Salix alba) is a medium to large tree. It'due south known for the nearly white undersurface of its leaves and the paler than normal upper surface. Information technology's native to Europe and Asia.

Features of the Leaves

Willows are deciduous. Most have leaves that are long and narrow with an even narrower base of operations and a pointed tip, equally shown in the photo above. Some species take wider and oval leaves, including the bully sallow or goat willow. I discuss this plant subsequently.

The margin of the leaves is toothed in some species but not in others. The leaves are smooth or pubescent (hairy). They are unremarkably attached to the stem in an alternate arrangement, just there are some exceptions to this rule.

Though the upper surface of the leaves is more often than not a shade of greenish, the color varies slightly. Some plants accept yellow-green, crimson-brown and greenish, or grey-green leaves, depending on the species, the stage of development, or the fourth dimension of year. An impressive cultivated plant known every bit Salix integra 'Hakuro Nishiki' has variegated leaves that are a mixture of white and pink. This plant is shown in the last photo in the sequence to a higher place.

Male catkin of Salix delnortensis or the Del Norte willow

Stan Shebs, via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA three.0 License

The Del Norte willow is a shrub that is native to southern Oregon and Northern California. It grows in mountainous habitats and forms thickets. The stamens in the catkins are purple or red at first and and then go yellow.

Fats Nigh the Catkins

Willows reproduce by means of catkins, which appear before the young leaves unfurl. A catkin is a thin fasten of flowers. Willows are dioecious, which means that all of the catkins on a institute bear but female flowers or only male ones. The petals of the flowers are minor or absent. The flowers may contain a small blade, however. They have no scent. Despite these facts, they are often attractive.

"Pussy willow" is a term used for various species that produce catkins with a hairy, furry, or woolly appearance. The very noticeable and attractive catkins remind people of a cat's tail, which is probably why the establish was given its nickname. The "fur" protects the young catkins. As the catkin matures and expands, the flowers and their reproductive structures become visible.

The male flowers comprise the stamens that produce pollen. The female person flowers contain a pistil, which in turn contains a stigma to catch the pollen, an ovary, and the ovules located inside the ovary. Each ovule contains an egg cell. Like other flowering plants, willows reproduce sexually. Pollination is performed past wind and insects. The fruit that develops from an ovary is a sheathing that breaks open up to distribute the seeds.

Male catkins of Salix caprea before the stamens are visible

The Great Sallow or Goat Willow

Salix caprea is known equally the neat sallow. It'due south as well called the goat willow and the pussy willow. According to The Wildlife Trusts (a registered United kingdom of great britain and northern ireland charity for protecting nature), the establish is also known every bit a sally. It'due south native to Europe and Asia. Information technology has oval leaves instead of narrow ones and grows equally a modest tree.

The male catkins are very attractive and are responsible for the pussy willow name. They are 1 to two inches long, grayness in colour, and have a furry or woolly advent. The female catkins are less bonny and are smaller. They have pale green pistils with flask-shaped ovaries and aren't hirsuite at first. This changes when the seeds appear. The mature seeds acquit long and silky hairs. The fruit opens up to release the seeds, which are distributed to a new habitat past the current of air.

Like sallows, osiers are willows. Salix viminalis is known as the basket willow or the mutual osier. It has the typical narrow and elongated leaves of a willow. Historically and in the nowadays, the narrowest branches of the plant have been used to brand baskets.

Salix × sepulcralis 'Chrysocoma' is known as the weeping golden willow. It'southward an artificial cantankerous between a particular variety of Salix babylonica and Salix alba. Information technology'southward a frost hardy constitute. The photograph above was taken in December.

The Beautiful Weeping Willow

The lovely weeping willow tree is Salix babylonica. It's a large tree whose branches class a graceful arch. In scientific terms, they are said to be pendulous, or hanging. The plant has been a favourite tree of mine since my childhood. The 1 in my photograph in a higher place was taken past Lost Lagoon in Vancouver'southward Stanley Park.

S. babylonica is native to East asia but has been planted in many other places. The tree likes moist soil and vivid sunlight. I usually encounter it abreast a lake or a pond. The land beside Lost Lagoon is a suitable habitat for the plant because the lagoon contains fresh water. The catkins of the tree aren't peculiarly showy. The tree is valued for the lovely appearance created by the drooping branches and its mature leaves.

The Dwarf or Snowbed Willow

The dwarf or snowbed willow (Salix herbacea) is an unusual just bonny fellow member of its genus. It's of import to look at the scientific name of a found when exploring its features. At that place is at least ane other species of Salix known as the dwarf willow. Snowbed willow is an advisable proper name for the institute because it grows where snow is found during at least part of the year. The plant lives in the Arctic at ground level and in the alpine environs at the height of high mountains. It has a wide distribution and is plant in multiple countries.

The dwarf willow is very small. It ranges from 0.5 cm to 5 cm in top. Each plant produces but two or 3 leaves, which are rounded or elliptical in shape. The leaves are crenulated, which ways they have a wavy margin, and they curl upward. Like other willows, the institute produces male person and female catkins. The female catkins produce a red capsule as a fruit.

Salix purpurea is known as the purple willow or the purple osier. The young catkins are often purple or cherry, which is an unusual colour. The immature stems sometimes have a purple or red tinge likewise. The colour fades as the found matures.

The Salley (or Sally) Gardens Song

Listening to "The Salley Gardens" song was role of my childhood. The give-and-take "salley" is believed to be related to the give-and-take "sallow". In the past, villages sometimes maintained a willow plantation nearby to provide thatch for the roofs of cottages. The garden had another office. Information technology was a spot where couples met.

The song was based on a poem by William Butler Yeats, an Irish writer. His verse form was in turn based on three lines of a vocal that he had heard a local woman sing in the past but couldn't fully remember. The song has three verses. The lyrics of the first 1 are shown below. The tertiary verse is the same as the first i, except the word "love" replaces "life" in the fifth line.

Downwardly by the salley gardens

My love and I did run across

She passed the salley gardens

With fiddling snowfall white anxiety

She bid me take life easy

Every bit the leaves abound on the tree

But I beingness young and foolish

With her did not agree

Maura O'Connell is the main singer in the video above. She was built-in in Ireland. She'south known for blending folk songs with country music.

History of Salicin and Aspirin

Aspirin is an impressive medication that has many potential benefits in the body and whose history is linked to willow plants. The International Aspirin Foundation was set up to written report the chemical'southward effects. The foundation has multiple medical and scientific advisors.

Salicin and Salicylic Acid

Co-ordinate to the Aspirin Foundation, even as early as 400 BC, Hippocrates was giving women willow bark to aid relieve the pain created by childbirth. The inner bark of a willow contains the highest concentration of salicin. The substance is converted to a chemical compound called salicylic acid in our body. The acrid tin can also be produced in a laboratory. Unfortunately, it can irritate the gut.

Production of Acetylsalicylic Acid

Felix Hoffmann from the Bayer company found a mode to turn salicylic acrid into acetylsalicylic acid. This was institute to exist a less irritating substance than salicylic acid. The medication was first produced past Bayer in 1897. Today the chemical is known as ASA or as aspirin. Hoffmann's last proper name is spelled with both one north and two. I've used two as the Bayer website does.

Aspirin Use

Aspirin can be very useful only tin also crusade potentially harmful side effects. If the medication is used more than occasionally, a doctor's advice should be sought. Parents should also seek a doc's advice with respect to giving children and teenagers aspirin. The drug is linked to an increased hazard of a serious status called Reye'due south syndrome in this age grouping.

Perhaps because of the success of aspirin, medicinal assessment of other salicinoids in willow has been generally neglected by modern scientific discipline, and the National Willow Collection has proven to be a gold-mine of exciting new chemistry.

— Dr. Jane Ward, Rothamsted Research

Rothamsted Research and Miyabeacin

Rothamsted Research is a renowned agricultural research found in Uk. It originated in the nineteenth century. My father was a soil scientist and was associated with the constitute, which at that fourth dimension was known equally the Rothamsted Experimental Station. While I was doing enquiry for this article, I found an Amazon UK page listing a publication written by my male parent and published past the station. The discovery was a lovely link to the by.

Today, Rothamsted Inquiry has a very large drove of willow plants and tissues known as the National Willow Collection. In combination with biologists from the University of Kent, researchers at the institute have made an interesting discovery. They've found a previously unknown chemic called miyabeacin in willow tissues. They've also plant that this chemic kills cancer cells in the lab, including those of a type that is resistant to other drugs.

It'due south important to note that the scientists haven't however tested the chemical in animals or in humans. Results in lab equipment are not always the same as results inside living bodies. Withal, the discovery of miyabeacin could be significant.

The National Willow Collection began in 1923 afterwards the first earth war acquired a serious problem in Britain's handbasket willow population.

Miyabeacin Structure and Laboratory Effects

The researchers take discovered that a miyabeacin molecule has two salicin groups, which they say enables it to give a "double dose of anti-inflammatory and anti-blood clotting ability."

In laboratory experiments with prison cell cultures, miyabeacin was agile confronting cells of several cancer types, including pharynx, ovarian, and neuroblastoma ones. Neutoblastoma mostly affects children and is sometimes challenging to treat.

Fifty-fifty if miyabeacin is not found to be helpful in living organisms, it'due south possible that scientists could modify the structure of the molecule in some mode to enable it to piece of work. The quote from Dr. Jane Ward shown higher up offers hope that willow plants may incorporate other useful chemicals for usa. Nature tin be valuable in more means than i.

Other Uses of Willows

Willows take other uses besides being a source of salicin and miyabeacin. The branches of certain species are still used for making baskets as they were in the past and are besides used in other forms of wickerwork. The wood of willow trees is used by artisans to brand rustic furniture. One variety of Salix alba is grown in the UK to provide forest for cricket bats.

Willow bark contains chemicals chosen tannins likewise equally salicin. Historically, the tannins from certain willows were used to turn animal hides into leather. The bark is sometimes used to make cord.

The intact institute is also useful. It's grown for use as a biofuel. A biofuel is derived from biomass, such as the bodies of plants or algae or the waste created by animals. It's considered to be a renewable energy source.

Specific species of willows are planted as shelterbelt trees and shrubs. A shelterbelt is a barrier fabricated of living plants that protects a sensitive surface area from adverse ecology weather, such every bit wind or storms. Willows can help to forestall the erosion of land.

Lovely Plants With Possible Drawbacks

I admire wild willows most my home and planted willows in parks, just I've never grown the genus in my garden. Some species are said to be invasive. The roots of certain willows tin spread aggressively. They may damage items such every bit underground pipes and may fifty-fifty scissure sidewalks. The location where a cultivated willow is planted, its potential size when mature, and its possible effects should be considered advisedly.

I'one thousand content to observe willows in the wild and in parks, which I e'er savour. They are interesting to run across and to investigate. The chemicals within them may take more than benefits than we currently realize. That's a lovely thought.

References

Willows in North America from Native Plants PNW (Pacific Northwest region of Due north America)
The Willow entry from the Canadian Encyclopedia
Facts about pussy willows from the Brooklyn Botanic Garden
Dandy sallow facts from the Missouri Botanical Garden
Data nearly the goat willow from The Wildlife Trusts
Weeping willow facts from the North Carolina State Academy
Information well-nigh the dwarf or snowbed willow from the New York Natural Heritage Program
"Down by the Salley Gardens" information from Irish Music Daily
Aspirin timeline from the International Aspirin Foundation
Willow bark information from WebMD
Rothamsted Research and the National Willow Collection
A willow chemical that may exist an anti-cancer compound from the Medical Xpress news service

This content is accurate and true to the best of the author's noesis and does not substitute for diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, prescription, and/or dietary communication from a licensed health professional. Drugs, supplements, and natural remedies may have dangerous side effects. If pregnant or nursing, consult with a qualified provider on an individual basis. Seek immediate help if y'all are experiencing a medical emergency.

Linda Crampton (author) from British Columbia, Canada on August 26, 2020:

Thank you for the comment and for sharing the interesting information, Nikolas. I like the thought of a Willow Sunday banquet.

Nikolas Turustus on August 26, 2020:

In Ukraine, Willow Lord's day is one of the most favourite feast. It combines christian and pagan traditions. Your article is very meaningful and emotional. Cheers, my congratulations!

Linda Crampton (author) from British Columbia, Canada on July 03, 2020:

Thank y'all, Shiham.

Ashly R on July 03, 2020:

Interesting article

Linda Crampton (writer) from British Columbia, Canada on May 24, 2020:

Thank you for the visit and the comment, Genna. Willow trees tin be very attractive. I hope you're having a good weekend.

Linda Crampton (author) from British Columbia, Canada on May 24, 2020:

Hi, Liza. I think copse are beautiful, besides. The whomping willow was an interesting case! Thanks for the comment.

Genna East from Massachusetts, The states on May 24, 2020:

Hello Linda. I dearest Willows, then I peculiarly liked this article. Those Weeping Aureate Willows are just amazing. I wasn't enlightened of the salicin and miyabeacin benefits, nor the many other uses. Give thanks you.

Liza from USA on May 24, 2020:

I enjoyed reading this commodity. I have no decent knowledge well-nigh the willow copse other than whomping willow tree in one of my favorite Harry Potter books. Subsequently moving to the U.s.a., I accept seen some willow trees here in Utah. I love trees, therefore, for me, they are cute. Give thanks you for sharing the excellent commodity, Linda.

Linda Crampton (author) from British Columbia, Canada on May 19, 2020:

I appreciate your annotate, Nithya. I hope scientists do more research related to miyabeacin and that the chemic proves to be very useful.

Nithya Venkat from Dubai on May 19, 2020:

Interesting and informative article about willows. Information technology must have been a wonderful feel to detect your male parent'south publication, must have brought back happy memories. I hope more research on miyabeacin structure leads to a cure for cancer. Great commodity, thank you for sharing.

Linda Crampton (author) from British Columbia, Canada on May 18, 2020:

Thank you for the interesting annotate, Chuck. I love cottonwood trees. Some grow very most my domicile. Cottonwoods vest to the same biological family as willows, but they don't belong to the willow genus and aren't classified as a willow. They are beautiful trees, though.

Chuck Nugent from Tucson, Arizona on May 18, 2020:

Swell Hub. Interesting and very informative. I never knew that cottonwoods were a type of willow. We have cottonwood trees in southern Arizona. When you run across some you can be certain at that place is either a stream nearby or the h2o tabular array is very high in that expanse. Streams and high water tables usually exist together here.