Only after the catkins of the sage willow have faded do the first leaves unfold from the pointed, brownish buds. They are initially slightly hairy on the upper side, later smooth and dark green, and lighter on the underside. They have a wide variety of shapes.
What do the leaves of the willow look like?
The leaves of the willow (Salix caprea) are 5-7 cm long, 2-4 cm wide, arranged alternately and ovate or roundish-elliptical. They are dark green on top, lighter underneath and yellow-brown in autumn. The edge is smooth, wavy or serrated.
The Sal willow (Salix caprea) is a deciduous deciduous tree that can grow up to 10 meters high and develops a relatively wide crown over the course of its life. The leaves of the sage willow appear after flowering. When fully expanded, they are lush green all summer long before turning yellow-brown and falling off in the fall.
Description of the leaves
- Length: 5-7 cm.
- Width: 2-4 cm.
- Arrangement: alternate.
- Shape: ovoid or roundish-elliptical, widest in the middle.
- Edge: smooth, wavy or serrated, twisted or blunt at the tip of the leaf.
- Color: Dark green on top, gray to blue-green on the underside, yellow to brown in autumn.
Leaf development
The young leaves of the willow are covered with short, dense hairs on the upper side, which later fall off to reveal the smooth, dark green upper side, on which the sunken leaf veins are clearly visible. The hair on the lighter underside of the leaves remains. The petioles are up to 10 mm long. Over time, small stipules form at their base.
Identifying diseases on the leaves
The brown spots on the leaves indicate fungal disease. If the shoots die and the willow loses its leaves prematurely, action should be taken as quickly as possible. To combat the infestation, cut off the affected branches at the base if possible and remove the fallen leaves from the ground. These don't belong in the compost, but in the trash.
Tip
Sal willow is also called palm willow in some areas. On Palm Sunday you put the cut branches of the willow in the vase and decorate it with colorful Easter eggs.
