Willow Identification.

[RATTER15]

For all you Willow experts, I am trying to "positively" identify this hedging shrub, I am fairly sure its a willow but unsure which one. It may be a hybrid, that could be why I cant get a definite ID on it.

http://tinypic.com/a/a1n02u/4

The nearest I could find is Salix aurita (Eared willow) but it isnt exact, the leaf stems on mine are directly opposite each other but on Salix aurita. they are alternate.

I have 5 different willows in my garden and this is the only one I cant identify.

[Chipchopper]

Hi Ratter,
I don't think its a willow that you have there, it looks to me more like a dogwood (Cornus) or possibly buckthorn.
I'm going mostly by the leaves in opposite pairs in your pic's

I look a bit deeper and get back to you. Chip

[RATTER15]

I think you are right. I was told it was willow but it isn't characteristic of any willow that I know. Any more info would be good. Many thanks.

[Chipchopper]

I'm erring towards Alder Buckthorn (Frangula alnus) which has no thorns, as opposed to Purging Buckthorn which does.

Vital food plant for the brimstone butterfly.

[RATTER15]

I dont think its the alder buckthorn as it is white under the bark and the leaves are directly opposite.

I think it might be the Common Buckthorn, however it doesnt have any thorns at the branch tips but it does have the opposing leaves.

I'm still not sure which buckthorn it is, but I am confident that it is a buckthorn.

[RATTER15]

I think the Purging Buckthorn and Common Buckthorn are the same thing, I may be wrong.

[Chipchopper]

Alder Buckthorn (Frangula alnus) and Purging Buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica) are different plants but do look similar.

[melv16]

Pussy ;-)

[Togo]

Looks like Diamond Willow or Bebb Willow Ratter. Hard to identify from your pics. Have you had time to view it through the seasons yet and note whether it loses leaves or develops other features? Bebb Willows are American but have been imported in years gone by.

[tamborine]

Is it Snowberry? Willows have elongated leaves.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Symphoricarpos

[RATTER15]

Tambo, there are many different types of Willow, most don't have elongated leaves.

It does look very much like the Snowberry though.

[RATTER15]

Togo, it did lose its leaves in autumn, I know that much I only moved into the house in November, so I know little else.

I dont think there is such a tree as Diamond Willow, I think the diamond bit is just a reference to a fault found in some willow wood, and definitely not Bebb Willow, the leaves are very different.

[Togo]

Point Ratters, what I should have defined is that there are a few willow types that are susceptible to forming the diamond like markings in their growth, for example Salix Bebbiana which has the bushy type growth and ovate leaves that alternate as you pointed out. They also lose their foliage in the winter. It may help you to narrow the field.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salix_bebbiana

[Togo]

You may already have eliminated it, but have you looked at Goat Willow. Salix Caprea. The broad leaf willows are termed sallows Ratter.

read:https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/visiting-woods/trees-woods-and-wildlife/british-trees/native-trees/goat-willow/

[RATTER15]

Toga, I do have a goat willow in the garden and it is quite different to this.

I used to be a tree surgeon so aware of the term "Sallow" but I find it is a term very rarely used.

Thanks for looking.

[Chipchopper]

One surefire way of getting a positive ID of this hedgerow shrub might be to wait (hopefully) a little longer, to observe and note the arrangement of the flowers.
As plants are classified in this way, I think this is the best step forward, add this to the ID keys you already have : leaf shape, buds position on the twigs, bark texture and colour , this should hopefully nail it.
BTW is your garlic mustard flowering yet ?, mines just out.

[RATTER15]

Chipchopper, I agree, the flowers and berries will reveal all. My wild garlic is also in flower now.
Thanks for your help.

[hammerman]

Tambourine has it right above.....it's a snowberry or Symphoricarpus.

[RATTER15]

Thanks Hammer man, I will confirm your identification when I see the berries and flowers.

[Chipchopper]

I certainly wouldn't rule out Tamborines suggestion of snowberry it could well be correct and looks like a good contender.
A couple of keys that may help to narrow the field are: twigs are hollow in cross section with a yellowish-brown pith.
You can also, often expect to see a small percentage of leaves that are randomly lobed, especially from young suckering shoots near the base.