A native deciduous tree species in Ireland, commonly found in wetland habitats, along riverbanks, and in damp woodlands.

Recognising the Eared Willow Tree:

• Leaves: The leaves of the Eared Willow tree are alternate, lanceolate to ovate in shape, and have serrated margins. They are dark green in colour and have distinctive "ears" or auricles at the base of the leaf blade.

• Bark: The bark of the Eared Willow tree is smooth and greyish-brown when young, becoming rougher and more fissured with age. It may develop a reddish tinge on older branches and trunks.

• Catkins: Eared Willow trees produce catkins in early spring before the leaves emerge. The catkins are cylindrical in shape and appear in clusters on separate male and female trees. Male catkins are longer and more slender, while female catkins are shorter and more compact.

• Habitat: Eared Willow trees are commonly found in wetland habitats, including marshes, fens, bogs, and riparian zones. They are often associated with other wetland species and can tolerate waterlogged soils and periodic flooding.

• Shape: Eared Willow trees have a shrubby or small tree-like growth habit, with multiple stems arising from the base. They can grow to heights of 3-6 meters, depending on environmental conditions and growing conditions.

5 Interesting Facts about the Eared Willow Tree:

1. Wetland Specialist: Eared Willow trees are adapted to thrive in wetland habitats and are often found growing along riverbanks, streams, and in marshy areas. Their tolerance for waterlogged soils and periodic flooding makes them important species for stabilising riverbanks and preventing erosion.

2. Hybridisation: Eared Willow trees have the ability to hybridise with other willow species, resulting in a diverse array of hybrids with varying characteristics. This hybridisation contributes to the genetic diversity of willow populations and may result in new combinations of traits suited to specific environmental conditions.

3. Wildlife Habitat: Eared Willow trees provide valuable habitat and food for a variety of wildlife species. The catkins are an important early food source for pollinators such as bees and butterflies, while the foliage provides shelter and nesting sites for birds and small mammals.

4. Erosion Control: The extensive root system of Eared Willow trees helps stabilise soil and prevent erosion in wetland habitats. Their dense root mats help bind soil particles together and reduce the impact of water flow, helping to maintain the integrity of riverbanks and riparian zones.

5. Traditional Uses: Various parts of the Eared Willow tree have been used historically for medicinal, culinary, and practical purposes. Willow bark contains compounds known as salicylates, which have pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties and have been used to make traditional remedies such as willow bark tea.

Uses of the Eared Willow Tree:

1. Erosion Control: Eared Willow trees are often used in riparian restoration projects and wetland restoration efforts to stabilise soil, prevent erosion, and improve water quality. Their extensive root systems help bind soil particles together and reduce the impact of water flow, making them valuable for erosion control and habitat restoration.

2. Wildlife Habitat: Eared Willow trees provide valuable habitat and food for a variety of wildlife species. Their catkins are an important early food source for pollinators such as bees and butterflies, while the foliage provides shelter and nesting sites for birds and small mammals.

3. Woodland Planting: Eared Willow trees are sometimes planted in woodland and hedgerow habitats to provide habitat diversity and enhance biodiversity. They can be used to create wildlife corridors, buffer zones, and riparian buffers, providing valuable habitat and food resources for wildlife species in diverse landscapes.

Contribution to Biodiversity:

• Habitat Provider: Eared Willow trees contribute to biodiversity by providing habitat and food for a variety of wildlife species in wetland habitats, riparian zones, and woodland ecosystems. Their catkins are an important early food source for pollinators, while their foliage provides shelter and nesting sites for birds and small mammals.

• Erosion Control: Eared Willow trees help stabilise soil and prevent erosion in wetland habitats and riparian zones. Their extensive root systems help bind soil particles together and reduce the impact of water flow, contributing to the health and stability of riverbanks and riparian ecosystems.

• Water Quality Improvement: Eared Willow trees play a role in improving water quality in wetland habitats by filtering pollutants, reducing sedimentation, and absorbing excess nutrients from runoff. Their presence helps maintain the ecological integrity of wetland ecosystems and supports diverse populations of aquatic and terrestrial species.

In summary, the Eared Willow tree is recognisable by its dark green leaves with distinctive auricles, cylindrical catkins, and shrubby growth habit. It holds cultural significance, provides valuable resources for wildlife, and contributes to biodiversity and ecosystem health in Ireland's wetland habitats, riparian zones, and woodland ecosystems. Additionally, it serves as an erosion control measure, supports wildlife populations, and enhances habitat diversity in natural ecosystems.

Images taken from the beautiful posters created by Phil Barnett and you can download these and/or purchase other great designs from his online shop.