Poplars and willows of the world, with emphasis on silviculturally important species.

Abstract

This chapter in Saliceae continues with short discussions of systematics and nomenclature, subjects that remain unsettled in this family. Then, it introduces in general terms each genus, followed by descriptions of the species in each section of the genus- Populus first, then Salix. The species descriptions are not intended to be rigorously botanical; that is, they focus on vegetative characteristics and cannot be used for reliable species identification in the field or in herbaria. For that purpose, a local taxonomic monograph or manual with keys, is recommended. Rather, the chapter approaches each taxon in its geographic and ecological context, describes certain morphological features, depicts intraspecific variation and discusses uses and commercial importance. Due to the large number of Salix taxa, however, the chapter describes only a 32-species subset of tree and shrub willows that currently are important in forestry, horticulture and environmental applications.