Verba (tree): description. Is it a tree or shrub?

The population of most of our country believes that the willow is a tree, but they call it more often a willow. It occurs practically in any part of our Motherland, near water bodies and in river valleys, along roads and in the forest. In addition, the ability to quickly and easily take root, as well as rapid growth, allow the wide application of this plant for urban greening. In this article I will tell you clearly and vividly about the plant of the pussy will: what kind of tree, its qualities and properties.

How is it called?

The names of this plant are numerous, and all of them are invented by the people, who subtly noticed its features. Unlike ordinary people, scientists-botanists do not know such a tree - willow. For them, this is one of the varieties of plants belonging to the genus of the Willow, in which there are about 300 species. But the people, who loved this tree, gave him a lot of different names, however, they are called those plants that are located on the banks of water bodies or near water, but shrubs or trees growing in drier conditions are called willows. People living in different regions of Russia, invented for the pussy a lot of names:

• Rakita;
• Reds;
• Molotkin;
• Bredina;
• Cinder;
• The vet.

As a rule, speaking of the fact that the pussy-willow is a tree, it means such species as willow, white, goat and wolfberry. All these varieties under favorable conditions can grow up to 30 meters in height.

Botanical features

Understanding the question of whether a pussy is a tree or a bush, let's look at the characteristics of plants that we call willows. All willows, as well as other representatives of Willow, have a long root system capable of germinating to a depth of 15 meters. This feature is used by people, planting a variety of willows along the banks of rivers, thereby strengthening the shoreline and avoiding soil erosion. Young plants of the pussy will really resemble shrubs rather than trees. But over time, growing, a thin sprout turns into a large tree, the diameter of its trunk can reach 1.5 m and which is covered with a gray, heavily cracked bark. The color of the bark depends on the age. So, a young willow is a tree with a light gray barrel, but the older plant will have a dark color. The sprawling crown of this tree consists of drooping, thin and flexible branches, the length of which can exceed 2 m. The young branches of it are drooping, thin, with a delicate silvery fuzz on the tips. The old shoots are more bare and painted reddish-brown or yellowish-brown in color. On the branches there are the next lanceolate silky and silver leaves, the length of which can reach up to 12-15 cm. In the spring, along with the development of the leaves, there is an opening of flower earrings consisting of very small flowers. Willow is wilting in April, and by May fruits are ripening - small bivalves with small seeds covered with hairs.

Areal

Verba is a tree widely distributed in the European part of our country and growing in the south of Western Siberia, in Central Asia and the Caucasus. Quite often it occurs in the floodplains of such large rivers as the Urals, Volga, Ob, Kuban, Dnieper and Don and forms willow forests there. Usually together grow as willow, and several other species of willow, forming among themselves various hybrids.

Optimal conditions

Well-moistened areas with acidic soils, a lot of water - this is exactly what the willow tree prefers. The description of it will be incomplete, if not to mention that this plant is the first actively developing abandoned or unused land. In the forests, however, it is rare, you can find this tree growing next to other species. A distinctive feature of the pussy is when it comes into contact with water or earth, its branches take root rather quickly. Due to this, trees grow rapidly and form whole forests occupying vast areas.

Willow tree: description and features

As already noted above, the plant forms a fairly powerful root system, which, in addition, branched out strongly and forms additional roots. Thus, the pussy will reproduce both cuttings and root layers. In addition, it should be noted that trees of this type:

• Non-selective in respect of soils;
• Well tolerate pollution ;
• Resistant to most diseases and pests;
• Winter hardiness.

Folk signs

The ancient Slavic tribes, which were absolutely anyway, the willow - a tree or shrub, dedicating it to one of the supreme gods - Perun and called "perunova vine." The plant associated with such a powerful being was endowed with mystical and magical properties. Many household items were made from this tree. Little children were bathed in a pampered broth. Sprigs of willows in the house prevented the machinations of dark forces against the owners, and stuck in the ceiling - they kept from hitting the lightning. To obtain a plentiful harvest, it was decided to spread the kidneys of this tree over beds, also inserted separate branches in the field to protect the crops from inclement weather and drive off rodents. In the spring, for the first time expelling cattle in the field after winter, they did it with willow branches, to protect animals from diseases, to help them grow and produce healthy offspring. In the shed there was also a place for this plant, which, according to the beliefs, was able to save the cattle from disease. With the adoption of Christianity, part of the pagan rituals and rituals passed into a new religion. Due to the lack of palm trees in our climate, one of the main Christian holidays (the Entry of the Lord into Jerusalem) acquired a new symbol - the branches of pussy-willow with blossoming buds.

Healing properties

In folk medicine, the crab of willow, as well as other trees of the family of willow, is used in the treatment of various infectious diseases. In the XIX century, the French explorer Leroux isolated from it a substance such as salicin. Later, scientists were able to synthesize it, which made it possible to create acetylsalicylic acid, more known to us as aspirin.

Today, a decoction of willow bark is used for joint rheumatism and gout. Prepared from leaves and bark infusion helps with various skin diseases. It is important to remember that to pregnant women any infusions, decoctions and drugs with any components of the pussy are categorically contraindicated.