Balsam Willow ##HOT##

There are over 20 species of Willows in Minnesota; Balsam Willow is one of several common species and is typically a medium sized shrub, usually under 6 feet tall, often under 4 feet. It is primarily found in the northern half of Minnesota in bogs and conifer swamps, less often on shores, floating mats, and in other wet places. It is perhaps most easily recognized by its shiny red twigs, red leaf stalks, and hairless leaves that are pale blue-green on the underside with a network of prominent veins, and are often heart-shaped at the base. Leaves have a spicy balsam fragrance when crushed. The female flowers and fruits are hairless, loosely arranged and commonly red to maroon at maturity; male flowers have 2 stamens. Both male and female flowers are subtended by a tiny, reddish-brown bract that is sparsely to moderately hairy.

balsam willow

Salix pyrifolia (syn. Salix balsamifera), the balsam willow, is a species of flowering plant in the family Salicaceae, native to Canada, and the north-central to northeastern United States.[1] A shrub, its leaves emit a balsam-like fragrance.[2] It is available from commercial suppliers.[3] 041b061a72