Bay willow, Laurel willow, Bayleaf willow
Salix pentandra
Family: Salicaceae
What it is like
A deciduous tree. It grows 15 m tall. It is a broadly spreading tree. The bark is grey-brown with shallow cracks. The leaves are narrowly oval and 12 cm long by 5 cm wide. They taper to a short point. There are fine teeth along the edge. The male and female flowers are both very small. They are in catkins 5 cm long. The fruit is a small green capsule. It releases fluffy white seeds.
There are about 300 Salix species.
Where it is found
It is native to Asia and Europe. It grows along riverbanks and in meadows. It suits hardiness zones 5-10.
Countries/locations it is found in
Australia, Britain, Canada, Central Asia, Europe, Germany, Greece, Luxembourg, Mediterranean, North America, Tajikistan, USA
How it is used for food
The leaves are used for flavouring food.
Edible parts
Inner bark, leaves