SALIX viminalis

'Common Osier'. A large, vigorous shrub or small tree with long straight shoots thickly grey-tomentose when young. Leaves long and narrow, tapering to a fine point, dull green above, covered with silvery silky hairs beneath. Catkins appear before the leaves. A very common species of rivers, streamsides, lakes and marshes. Long cultivated for basket-making.(4)