Peach Willow (also known as Almond-leaved Willow)
Kingdom: Plantae, Division: Tracheophyta, Class: Magnoliopsida, Order: Malpighiales, Family: Salicaceae, Genus: Salix, Species: Salix amygdaloides · Salicaceae (Willow and Poplar family) · Simple, deciduous
Species
Salix amygdaloides
Leaf Type
Simple, deciduous
Family
Salicaceae (Willow and Poplar family)
Shape
Lanceolate
Size
Approximately 3 to 4 inches long and 0.75 inches wide, which is typical for a mature peach willow leaf (species range typically 2-5 inches long)
Margin
Serrate (finely toothed)
Arrangement
Alternate
Rarity
Common
Color & Pattern
Medium to dark green on the upper surface with a lighter, slightly glaucous green underside, lacking prominent spots or variegation
Venation Pattern
Pinnate (feather-veined) with a prominent pale midrib
Texture & Surface
Smooth and glabrous on the upper surface with a slightly paler matte underside
Description
The peach willow is a small to medium-sized deciduous tree featuring narrow, lance-shaped leaves that resemble those of a peach tree, hence the common name. It typically grows with a short trunk and an irregular, open crown, often forming thickets in moist riparian zones.
Key Features
Finely serrate lanceolate leaves with long-tapering tips, pale yellowish midribs, and alternate arrangement along flexible twigs
Habitat
Found primarily along streams, rivers, lakeshores, and in wet meadows or moist bottomland soils
Geographic Range
Native to central and western North America, ranging from Canada down through the central United States
Condition Notes
The leaf appears fresh, intact, and healthy with no visible signs of insect damage, disease, or chlorosis, earning a health grade of Excellent
Interesting Facts
The peach willow gets its specific epithet 'amygdaloides' from the Greek word for almond, due to the strong resemblance of its foliage to peach and almond tree leaves
Medicinal & Uses
Willow bark contains salicin, a natural compound chemically related to aspirin, traditionally used for pain relief and reducing fevers. The flexible branches are also utilized in basketry
Ecological Role
Provides critical habitat and nesting sites for birds, stabilizes riverbanks against erosion, and serves as an important early season nectar source for pollinators
Similar Species
Black Willow (Salix nigra), which has narrower leaves and usually more densely crowded teeth, and various other narrow-leaved willow species
Foraging Tips
Look near water sources such as riverbanks and stream edges during spring and summer, paying attention to the distinctive peach-like shape of the foliage
Toxicity Warning
Non-toxic. However, excessive ingestion of willow bark tea containing high amounts of salicin may cause gastrointestinal upset in sensitive individuals