Willows
Salix spp.
There are several varieties of willow native to Ireland. All grow in damp soil, have catkins or ‘pussy willows’ which produce seeds, but are most easily grown from cuttings which root very readily.
The most widespread willow species are the goat willow, the rusty or grey willow (both known as ‘sallies’), and the eared willow which is common in Fermanagh. While these generally grow on damp ground, the goat willow will also colonise rough and disturbed ground in drier areas.
The bay leaved willow, with glossy green leaves, is found beside small rivers and ditches in some areas of County Tyrone and the Antrim Plateau.
Crack willow and white willow are the largest and both may be pollarded i.e. cut back to the trunk to produce a crown of fine branches. They were probably introduced but are now naturalised and grow typically along river banks.
Both develop into large trees with spreading roots and should not be planted close to buildings.
Osiers, with long fine leaves, do not develop into large trees. They were often grown and managed by cutting right back to the base to encourage long flexible shoots used for baskets. Now this species may be grown for biomass and provide a renewable energy source.
All willows are rich in insects and so provide a good food source for insect eating birds in summer, notably for the eponymous willow warbler.