There are about 300 species of willow (Salix l.), Most occur in the form of shrubs. In Poland this species is represented by 28 species and their numerous hybrids, often difficult to qualify.
Purple willow (Salix Purpurea)
It is commonly called wicker. Deciduous shrub with spherical crown, reaching up to 3 m. height. Crop plant, it is used in the wicker industry. It is used as a fascicle to fill the flood embankments and river banks to protect them from water leaching. It is one of the main species of willow grown as so called energy crops.
The Basket Willow (Salix Viminalis)
One of the plants most commonly grown on power plantations. It usually takes the form of a tall, yet wide shrub, rarely a small tree, reaching up to 5-7 m. It is characterized by increased biomass growth, high disease and pest resistance and less soil requirements.
The Goat Willow (Salix Caprea l.)
The goat willow flowers are very honeydew and are one of the first sources of bee food. Resistant to atmospheric pollution, so it is suitable for planting in large cities and industrial districts. Already in antiquity, willow bark was used to treat fever and pain. It is now known to contain salicylic acid and tannin.