There are about 300 different kinds of willows. Willows have thin branches and narrow leaves. The largest willows grow over 120 feet high. Willows are planted in wet regions so their roots can soak up the water to dry out the soil. Willows also protect fields by providing shade.

The twigs of the willow can bend easily and are used to make baskets and wicker furniture. The willow bark provides a material that can be used to relieve pain and fever. In spring a yellowish-
green bunch of flowers appear on the willow called catkins because
it looks like a cat's tail.

There are different types of willows: The black willow, The basket willow, The white willow, The weeping willow and The pussy willow. The black willow is used to make wicker furniture. The basket willow is used to make baskets. The white willow's leaves are white and silky. The weeping willow has graceful, drooping branches. The pussy willow grows furry catkins. Willows belong to the willow family, Salicaceae.

                                                                                     By: Tara Lorraine Sweeney