Willows come in numerous types. Eight of the approximately 450 varieties are native to Germany alone. The white willow is a very special species. Its name comes from the appearance of its leaves, which have a silvery shine, especially on windy days. But why is that? An optical illusion? Sorcery? No of course not! Find out the real reason here.
Why is it called white willow leaf?
The white willow leaf is characterized by a dark green upper surface, a gray-blue underside and gray hairs on both sides. These little hairs give the leaves a silvery shine, especially on windy days, and are responsible for the name “silver willow”.
Features
- Length of petiole: 5 mm
- Leaf position: alternate
- Leaf edge: sawn
- Leaf shape: elongated, smooth
- Length: up to 10 cm
- Width: 2 cm
- Color of the top of the leaves: dark green
- Color of the underside of the leaf: gray-blue
- Special features: The upper side of the leaf has slight gray hairs, the underside of the leaf has increased gray hairs
The white willow is a deciduous deciduous tree, but the loss of leaves occurs comparatively late. Some of the leaves remain on the branches until late summer. However, this is far from the most noticeable feature that you should use to identify the tree. You can recognize the white willow more by its beautifully shiny foliage, which gives it its name. Due to the dense growth of the crown, the small gray hairs appear like a silvery down that extends over the leaves. You can observe this phenomenon particularly well when there is wind. The persistence appears more intense on the underside of the leaf. In addition, the hairs here are erect. If the wind lifts the leaves, the silvery shimmer comes into its own.
Medical Benefits
A white willow in your own garden is a true blessing. Not only does the tree impress with its great look. Its leaves are also quite interesting for medicine. The effect was already known in ancient times. Back then people used the leaves of the white willow
- against insomnia
- for the treatment of wounds, cramps, rheumatic complaints and sedatives
Just pour over the leaves to make a stimulating tea.
