Drummond's willow facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Drummond's willow |
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| Conservation status | |
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| Genus: |
Salix
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| Species: |
drummondiana
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Salix drummondiana, also known as Drummond's willow, is a type of willow plant. It grows naturally in western North America. You can find it from Yukon and the Northwest Territories in Canada all the way south to California and New Mexico in the United States. This willow loves wet places in the mountains. It often grows near forests, riverbanks, and areas that sometimes flood.
Contents
What is Drummond's Willow Like?
Drummond's willow is usually a shrub. It can grow anywhere from one to five meters (about 3 to 16 feet) tall. Its branches are quite brittle, meaning they break easily. When they are new, the branches can be smooth or feel like velvet. As they get older, they become waxy and shiny.
Leaves and Flowers
The leaves of this willow are shaped like a spear or an oval. They have a pointed tip. The edges of the leaves can be smooth or slightly wavy. They also tend to roll under a little bit. Each leaf can be up to 8.5 centimeters (about 3.3 inches) long. The underside of the leaves feels woolly. The top surface can be smooth or have a few hairs. New leaves are covered in soft, silky hairs.
The flowers of Drummond's willow appear before the leaves do. The flowers grow in special clusters called catkins. Male catkins are about 2 to 4 centimeters (0.8 to 1.6 inches) long. Female catkins can be almost 9 centimeters (3.5 inches) long. They get even longer as the fruits start to grow.
How it Spreads
This willow mostly reproduces by seeds. But it can also spread in another way. Pieces of its stem can break off and grow into new plants. This often happens during a flood. When the shrub is broken by strong water, pieces of the stem float away. They can then land in a new spot and start to grow there. This is called vegetative reproduction.
Why is Drummond's Willow Important?
Drummond's willow is a very important food source for some animals. In many areas, moose eat this willow during the winter. Beavers also use it. They eat the willow and use its branches to build their dams.
See also
In Spanish: Salix drummondiana para niños
