Salix daphnoides

Salix daphnoides Bra62

Salix daphnoides — Flora Batava — Volume v18

Salix daphnoides, commonly known as the Violet Willow or Daphne Willow, is a species of willow native to Europe and Western Asia. It is a deciduous shrub or small tree, reaching heights of up to 10 meters. The species is notable for its striking violet or purple-tinged bark, especially apparent on young branches, and its catkins which bloom in early spring.

Description

Salix daphnoides exhibits a slender form, with branches that are initially violet or dark purple, becoming gray as they age. The leaves are lanceolate or narrowly elliptic, measuring 4 to 10 cm in length, with finely serrated margins. They emerge as silky and silver-haired before becoming green on the upper surface and lighter beneath.

The flowers of Salix daphnoides are arranged in catkins, which appear before or with the leaves in early spring. Male and female flowers are typically found on separate trees (dioecious). The male catkins are yellow due to the presence of anthers, while the female catkins are greenish and elongate upon fruiting.

Habitat and Distribution

Salix daphnoides is found in a variety of wetland habitats, including riverbanks, streamsides, and wet woodlands. It prefers moist, well-drained soils and can be found at altitudes up to 2000 meters. The species is native to a broad region spanning from Western Europe through to Western Asia, with populations found in countries such as France, Germany, Italy, and Turkey.

Cultivation and Uses

This willow species is valued in horticulture for its ornamental qualities, particularly its colorful bark and early spring catkins. It is used in garden and landscape design, often planted in groups or as part of mixed shrub borders. Salix daphnoides is also utilized in the creation of living willow structures and for riverbank stabilization due to its robust root system.

In addition to its aesthetic and environmental uses, Salix daphnoides has been explored for its medicinal properties. The bark contains salicin, a compound that is metabolized into salicylic acid in the human body, offering anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects.

Conservation

While Salix daphnoides is not currently listed as endangered, its habitats are increasingly threatened by human activity, including land development and river regulation, which can lead to habitat loss and fragmentation. Conservation efforts are focused on protecting natural habitats and promoting the sustainable management of waterways.

Gallery

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See Also

• Willow
• Salicin
• Habitat conservation
• Horticulture