133812 Purple Willow Salix purpurea (Salicaceae) HEIGHT to 6m
Spreading shrub or small tree. BARK Grey and shiny. SHOOTS Shiny and reddish purple when young. LEAVES Elongate ovate, broadest towards the blunt tip and up to 12cm long; hairless, the margin toothed only near the tip. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male catkins are golden-yellow with reddish purple anthers. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native, widespread but rather local; absent from, or scarce in, SE England, W Britain and the Scottish Highlands. Grows in damp ground, beside rivers and ponds and in marshes
