Sitka willow

Leaves

Form

• Widest above the middle
• Tip blunt-pointed, base narrow, tapering
• A few short hairs on the upper surface
• A sheen on the lower surface from silky hairs
• Stipules small

Length

• 4–9 cm
• Stipules about 1 mm

Colour

• Upper surface dark green
• Lower surface paler

Margin

• Wavy-toothed or smooth

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

Form

• Brittle
• With appressed hairs

Colour

• Dark reddish-brown

Flowers

Form

• Catkins on short leafy shoots

Structure

• Dioecious

Fruits

Form

• Capsules with silky hairs

Bark

Form

• Slightly furrowed, scaly

Colour

• Roots reddish

Size

Height

• To 7 m

Range

Along the Pacific Coast