River Willow

"River Willow"
The standard water loving, short, wide branching tree, with a greenish blue hued leaves, often sought after for its many uses, both structural and medicinal.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Short and squat for a tree, with long drooping, slender branches, and large, fibrous roots and runners. Leaves are very elongated, thin, and smooth.

Genetics and Reproduction

Various modes of plant reproduction. Trees have both male and female flowers in the spring, pollen is distributed by insects and winds, seeds are dispersed in summer.
New growth sprouts may form from the base of the trunk in the spring or from cut stumps. These are easily transplanted.
New trees can also arise from fallen branches that get partially covered in moist environments.

Growth Rate & Stages

Availability of water is a limiting factor in this trees growth rate. In it's usual habitat and climate, it quickly grows to half of its height in the first few years. Eventually attaining 35 to 50 feet tall and broad.

Ecology and Habitats

Deciduous trees and shrubs, found primarily on moist soils in cold and temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. Almost always found near flowing water sources and requires moist soil. Although it is very winter resistant, it will not survive in dry environments or those with rocky well drained soils.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Resources are acquired through extremely large, fibrous, roots and runners. Roots have been found to travel over a 100 feet from the base to obtain more and more water. As such this is a very water loving tree. When water, sunlight, and nutrients are available this species grows very quickly.

Biological Cycle

This tree grows easily from cuttings, sprouts, and fallen limbs. Seeds will also occasionally develop new trees. New shoots, sprouts, and leaves begin during the spring, grow readily during the summer, and fall during the autumn.

Additional Information

Domestication

Easy to transplant and grow in moist soil.

Uses, Products & Exploitation

The watery bark sap, which is heavily charged with salicylic acid, has many applications to minor ailment and medicines. The bark, branches and roots can be used for baskets, fish traps, rope, and paper.
Often used in water breathing spells or potions, as well as for breathing conditions and recovery from drowning.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Deciduous trees and shrubs, found primarily on moist soils in cold and temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere near flowing water.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Plant

Scientific Name

Salix Fluvius

Lifespan

50 to 75 years.

Conservation Status

A very common species found along permanent water ways or wet soils.

Average Height

35 to 50 feet tall.

Average Length

35 to 50 feet broad.

Average Physique

Wide branching and almost as wide as they are tall.

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Dark brown, smooth bark, with very long, greenish blue bladed leaves, that turn grey and then dark grey in the autumn.