Willow Identification Key: Salix gracilistyla

Common Name:

Scientific Name:

New Zealand Clones:

Male: Melanostachys

Technical Description:

Habit: Low spreading shrub, not over 2 m high.

Shoots: Purple-black colour. Salix gracilistyla Melanostachys has a more stiffly erect form.

Leaves: Leaves have 12-20 pairs of veins, the angle between the midrib and veins is less than 45 degrees. Narrow ovate shape, with a finely toothed leaf margin. Greyish-green above, greyish beneath. The leaves are not bitter to taste.

Catkins: Male; anthers reddish, catkins purple-black.

Comments: Salix gracilistyla is easily recognised by its greyish elliptic leaves which have numerous prominent lateral veins at an angle of less than 45 degrees to the midrib, and large persistent stipules.