Downy Willow
Scientific name: Salix lapponum L.
Diagnostic features
Low shrub to 1(1.5)m.
Twigs pubescent at first, glabrous and rather glossy dark reddish-brown later.
Leaves 1.5-7 x 1-2.5cm, subglabrous to pubescent on upperside, usually densely pubescent on lowerside, entire or subentire.
Stamens free.
Chromosome number: 2n=38
Habitat
Native; rocky mountain slopes and cliffs.
Distribution
North & Central mainland Scotland, isolated localities in Westmorland and South Scotland.
This species is keyed out on Page 1597 and on Page 1609 in the Text Key.
Hybrids
- Salix x laestadiana Hartm. (= Salix caprea x Salix lapponum) occurs with the parents in Mid & East Perth and Angus.
- Salix x obtusifolia Willd. (= Salix aurita x Salix lapponum) occurs with the parents in Central & North Scotland.
- Salix aurita x Salix lapponum x Salix herbacea (?= Salix x boydii E.F. Linton) was once found in Angus in 1998 and in South Aberdeen in 1996; endemic. See also Salix lapponum x Salix reticulata.
- Salix myrsinifolia x Salix lapponum (= Salix x dalecarlica auct. non Rouy) was recorded from Angus in 1892 but not confirmed; it was confirmed from South Aberdeen in 1959; endemic.
- Salix x pithoensis Rouy (= Salix repens x Salix lapponum) occurs with the parents in East & Mid Perth.
- Salix x gillotii E.G. & A. Camus (= Salix phylicifolia x Salix lapponum) has been recorded from South Aberdeen, Mid Perth and Angus, but the identifications are now considered doubtful.
- Salix lapponum x Salix lanata (=Salix x stuartii hort.) occurs in South Aberdeen and Angus; endemic.
- Salix x pseudospuria Rouy (= Salix lapponum x Salix arbuscula) occurs with the parents in Centraleast Scotland.
- Salix lapponum x Salix myrsinites occurs with the parents in Mid Perth, Angus and South Aberdeen.
- Salix x sobrina F.B. White (= Salix lapponum x Salix herbacea) occurs with the parents in Centraleast Scotland.
- Salix lapponum x Salix reticulata was formerly thought to be the parentage of Salix aurita x Salix lapponum x Salix herbacea. |
