Question: Found in Cooperstown, NY in a wetland area/former farm field. I believe it is Salix spp. but at hoping to …
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Question
Found in Cooperstown, NY in a wetland area/former farm field. I believe it is Salix spp. but at hoping to get to species level. Young leaves and young stems have white hairs. Older/ more green leaves have white hairs restricted to the mid vein and have a slightly leathery feel.
Answer
Dear SunnyMona, your plant is most likely Salix discolor (pussy willow), a common native species of open areas and edges in the northeast. The leaf blade outline and the margins (mostly with irregular, blunt teeth) are good field characters for this species. Best wishes.
