Question: Here in southwest Connecticut, I have two of the same small multi trunk trees that I stare at frequently from …
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Question
Here in southwest Connecticut, I have two of the same small multi trunk trees that I stare at frequently from my patio. Self seeded, they would be large shrubs if I hadn't trimmed all the lower branches off. After 15 years they are about 20 feet tall. The leaves are clustered and small. One produces a 3 inch cone shaped silky seed pod, like cotton on a cayenne pepper. I'd like to give these trees a name.
Answer
Dear rossvass, good morning. You have photographed a member of the genus Salix (willow). The structure in the photograph is the array of fruits (small, two-valved capsules that open to release seeds with a tuft of hairs to disperse by wind). It may be Salix bebbiana (Bebb's willow), a common, native species. However, I would need additional images to determine who this is with confidence. If you are interested, feel free to email me at ahaines@nativeplanttrust.org and we can continue the conversation.
