Order Salicales

Order Salicales

The Willow Family (Salicaceae) is the only family in Order Salicales. It includes the Willows Salix and Poplars Populus which are trees and shrubs with a few stunted arctic forms. The typical willow leaf is a long thin oval-shape pointed at both ends and poplar leaves are broader. Trees usually bear either male or female flowers but not both (dioecious). Short clusters of flowers appear in the spring like the furry female catkins of the familiar pussy willow Salix discolor shown here. [CH] {NT}