Golden Osier Willow Tree
Golden Osier (Salix alba, Linn., var, vitellina)-Venerable-looking tree, with short trunk and regular, spreading top, 40 to 60 feet high. Twigs golden yellow. Bark grey, rough. Leaves elliptical, sparingly serrate, tapering at both ends, 2 to 4 inches long, silky hairy, becoming smooth; lining white and somewhat hairy; stipules ovate-lanceolate:, deciduous; petioles short. Flowers with leaves; scales deciduous; stamens 2; stigmas sessile. Fruits flask shaped, sessile, smooth capsules. Preferred habitat, moist, rich soil. Distribution, eastern North America.This American derivative of the white willow of Europe deserves mention among native trees. It is truly naturalised. Its yellow twigs are its best ident-ification. It is far more common in cultivation than its parent, although the latter is occasionally seen. This variety is one of the most vigorous and useful of all the grown In this country.