Willows (not Weeping)
This key only applies to young (first year) twigs on mature trees.

Buds and/or twigs pubescent

Buds and twigs BOTH hairless



Crack willow

Crack Willow twig

Twigs olive to reddish brown, often with dark patches. Break off easily with a 'snap'.

Purple willow

Purple Willow twig

Twig grey to yellow to red, or even purple towards the tip, buds yellowish or reddish.

Pubescence grey and mealy, like a covering of fine ash

Grey willow

Grey Willow twig

Buds red, more or less evenly spaced along the twig

Osier

Osier twig

Buds greenish, crowded more towards the tip of the twig

Pubescence of silky hairs, especially on buds

White willow

White willow twig

 

Twig pubescent, buds more or less hairless

Goat willow

Goat willow twig

 

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