Salix acmophylla

Also known as the Stream Willow, the Pointed Willow is a fast-growing, deciduous tree native to Israel. It thrives along stream banks, springs, and other moist habitats, making it an excellent choice for water-adjacent planting. Typically reaching 5 meters in height (and occasionally up to 8 meters), the tree has a broad, dome-like shape with flexible reddish branches that gracefully droop toward the ground.

Its narrow, lanceolate leaves are smooth, slightly glossy on top, and bluish underneath. The tree is dioecious, meaning male and female flowers grow on separate trees. Flowering occurs from late February to early June, often appearing before the leaves. Tiny unisexual flowers are arranged in catkins – female flowers are upright, while male flowers hang and eventually fall as a unit.

The Pointed Willow spreads easily through vegetative propagation, particularly from branches carried by streams and embedded in moist soil. It is widespread throughout Israel, excluding the Negev.

This tree has both ornamental and practical value. Its lightweight, soft wood is ideal for light furniture, boat building, and charcoal. The flexible branches are commonly used for basket weaving, and the bark yields tannin for leather processing. It’s also prized as a bee forage plant and is used in traditional medicine to relieve pain, reduce fever, and combat inflammation. Notably, salicyl, the original source of aspirin, was first isolated from willow bark.

Archaeological evidence of willow use in Israel dates back 12,000 years. The species is native to the Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East and belongs to the Salicaceae family, which includes only two genera: Salix (willow) and Populus (poplar). Distinguishing between species can be complex due to frequent hybridization.

Additional trees from the same family: Salix babylonica, Salix acmophylla