Salix cinerea L. Grey Sallow. Small tree or shrub, native to Europe (including Britain) and north-east Asia. Height may reach 10m (33ft) but usually shrubby. Catkins open in March and April, similar to S. caprea but more slender. Fruit capsules release seed in May. Leaves are similar in texture to S. caprea but narrower and less wrinkled. Young shoots are covered with brown down. Often forms hybrids with S. caprea.