We have two distinct races or subspecies of Grey willow Salix cinerea in Britain. The actual Salix cinerea L. species is generally thought to be only in Norfolk. Although, there are records of it elsewhere as far away as Scotland, Isle of Man and Ireland. For us in the south-west we have definitely only the one (probably), and ours is that which we know as Salix cinerea ssp. oleifolia (Gaudin) Macreight. The common name ought to be "Rusty Sallow", not "Grey willow". But I continue to call it Grey willow, as I’m rebellious! Whereas the Norfolk tree has leaves ash-grey below with pubescent twigs, and our south-west tree typically has leaves greyish or ferrugineous (rusty) below, with at least some rusty-brown hairs, and glabrescent twigs.
Now our Salix cinerea ssp. oleifolia Macreight name has now been regarded as taxonomically illegal, as it was first used by Villars (1789) for a different plant. Therefore, in consequence our plant is re-named Salix atrocinerea Brot. However, all the herbarium specimens I’ve seen of this species on the continent have lanceolate (long and pointed) shaped leaves, and not obovate (paddle-shaped) like our plant. So I am reluctant to want to change our name for it just yet, until I’m more convinced it is correct.
The one we offer for sale at Trebrown Nurseries is the local south-west type with the rusty leaves and glabrescent twigs. Salix cinerea ssp. oleifolia Macreight, or Salix atrocinerea Brot., whatever you choose to call it.
Putting the name aside, the more important thing to note is that this is most certainly the commonest tree in Cornwall, it may not be the commonest elsewhere in the south-west counties, but it certainly comes close. More generally a species of wet and boggy woodland, but it can colonise much drier sites and waste ground.
At Trebrown Nurseries we maintain our own registered seed stands on Trebrown Farm, which remain the only seed stand registered in Cornwall. Salix cinerea is not a FRM controlled species, but is certified under the voluntary FRM scheme.
