Salix alba L.White Willow
Native to Europe (including Britain), northern Asia and northern Africa. Grows wild on riversides. Height to 25m (80ft). Catkins open in late April and May, males yellow about 3.7-5.5cm (1½-2¼in) long, females green about the same length ripening to form fruiting catkins which split to release white tufted seeds in June. Leaves are light green at first, becoming dark green with white silky hairs above and thick white down beneath, giving the tree a pale greyish white appearance.