Meadow willow
- Latin name: Salix petiolaris Sm.
- French name: Saule à long pétiole
- Synonym(s): Slender willow
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Taxonomic Serial Number: 22567
520819 [syn. S. gracilis Andersson]
Description
Leaves
Form
- Numerous, pointing up, overlapping, thin
- Pointed at both ends
- Hairy when young
- Upper surface becoming hairless
- Stipules small or absent
Length
- 2–7 cm
Colour
- Upper surface shiny green
- Lower surface paler
- Young leaves reddish
Margin
- Edged with small gland-tipped teeth toward the tip
Petiole
- Yellowish
Buds
Form
- Pointed, pressed against the twig, closely spaced
- Covered with a single scale
- No true terminal bud; end bud originates as a lateral bud
- Flower buds larger than leaf buds
- Leaf scars V-shaped, with 3 vein scars
- Stipule scars on either side
Twigs
Colour
- Yellowish-green to olive-brown, becoming very dark brown
Flowers
Form
- Catkins on leafy dwarf shoots
Length
- Seed catkins up to 4 cm
Structure
- Dioecious
Floral timing
- With the leaves
Fruits
Form
- Capsules elongated with slender beaks
- On slender hairy stalks
Length
- 3–7 mm
Bark
Colour
- Greyish-green or reddish-brown, becoming dark brown
Size
Height
- To 5 m
Range
New Brunswick to northern British Columbia