Very prevalent in the Donau-Auen National Park, the White Willow is a common tree species found along shores and in softwood riparian forests. A stately tree with vital ecological significance, it is an important component of the riparian forest. The White Willow got its name from the silky, thickly-haired undersides of its leaves which make the tree shimmer white in the breeze.
Description
Shrub or tree; as largest native willow it can grow to 30m tall with oldest individuals exhibiting a trunk diameter far exceeding 1m. Normally reaches an age older than 100 (max. 200) years. Trunk mostly upright, branches broadly drooping; twigs long, sometimes drooping. Branching is acute-angled at approx. 50-60° (and not right-angled). Bark is rough and thickly ridged. Young twigs are dirty-brown colour, silkily hairy. Leaf blade is spear-shaped, sometimes narrowly-speared, from 5–9cm long; edges finely toothed. This dioecious tree flowers in April-May simultaneously with flush of leaves. Its timber is light, very soft and has a dirty-brown to reddish-brown core with pith flecks.
Distribution
The White Willow is a Eurasian plant which has long been native to all of Europe, with the exception of Northern Europe. It may even be found as far south as northern Africa and as east as Asia Minor.
Endangerment and Conservation Status
Not vulnerable in Austria or Europe and widespread in the National Park.
Ecological Characteristics
The White Willow grows in lower-lying areas (under 800m), preferably in riparian forests and on the shores of lakes, rivers and creeks. It thrives in rich, alkaline clay soiIs with sand and gravel which are periodically flooded. Because the soil must be moist, deep and calcareous, the White Willow prefers damp lowlands and mountain valleys. The White Willow is the first forest community in the development of the riparian forest and an integral characteristic of riverine and backwater landscapes; it helps convey the sometimes jungle-like look of the wetlands.
Special Characteristics
In antiquity, doctors recognized the therapeutic potential of the White Willow and as far back as the 17th century, the bark of the Salix alba – which contains salicin – was used to lower fevers. Salicin has a variety of medicinal properties and is now an active ingredient in many global remedies, including aspirin. The White Willow's long, rod-shaped branches have been used for weaving and basket-making for ages, whereby the main trunk and branches are cut annually to produce so-called pollarded willows. The thin and flexible willow twigs used to be essential tools for a wide variety of household tasks in rural areas. In many different cultures and mythologies, the White Willow is both a symbol of death and passing, but also of rebirth and hope thanks to its robust regenerative abilities. Today, many of these impressive old trees not only give us something beautiful to look at, but serve a vital ecological purpose as hiding place and habitat for many now-rare animals, and also as nesting trees for bats, owls, raptors and many others.