Salix L.

Leaves linear to obovate; usually less than 5 cm wide. Flowers with 1 or 2 elongated nectaries Salix

Trees or shrubs not with a column shape; completely deciduous

Trees with one to several trunks 10–20 m high. Leaves linear to oblanceolate more than 3 times as long as broad. Catkins emerging with leaves

Trees with spreading or ascending branches

Twigs fragile at junctions, breaking with a snap. Leaves glossy green above, becoming glabrous on both surfaces

Twigs not breaking with a snap at the junctions