salix

Any deciduous tree or shrub of the botanical genus Salix, in the family Salicaceae, native primarily to moist soils in temperate and cold regions of the Northern Hemisphere and commonly known as the willow, sallow, or osier, characterized by slender flexible branches and narrow leaves.

An ornamental willow shrub or dwarf tree of the genus Salix cultivated in gardens and floral arrangements for its decorative, silky, fuzzy catkin blossoms (such as those of the pussy willow) that bloom in early spring before the leaves emerge.