Range: Vermont across southern Ontario to British Columbia, south to New Mexico, east across southern Illinois to central New York.
Distinguishing Features: This willow has broader leaves than almost any other willow in Illinois. The pale lower surface of the leaves also distinguishes it from the Black Willow.
CAROLINA WILLOW
Salix caroliniana Michx.
Other Name: Ward’s Willow.
Growth Form: Medium tree to 40 feet tall; trunk diameter up to 1 foot; crown widely spreading, often irregular.
Bark: Dark brown to gray to black, scaly and ridged.
Twigs: Slender, brown, usually finely hairy; leaf scars alternate, U-shaped, with 3 bundle traces.
Buds: Small, oblong, reddish-brown, smooth, up to one-eighth inch long.
Leaves: Alternate, simple; blades lanceolate, long-pointed at the tip, tapering to the base, up to 5 inches long and up to 1 inch broad, finely toothed along the edges, green and smooth on the upper surface, whitish and smooth on the lower surface; stipules conspicuous; leafstalks up to ½ inch long, hairy.