Leaf Identification
The leaves of the Prairie Reflection® Willow are typically 1″ to 4″ long and 1/2″ to 2″ wide. The shape is ovate to obovate and often narrow. The margins are dentated to serrated, and the venation is pinnate. The upper surface is dark green and glossy while the underside is a pale green. Sometimes the underside of the leaf is also glaucous.
Twig and Bud Identification
The twigs of the Prairie Reflection® Willow is green, hairless, and slightly shiny. The buds are relatively large, green, and only have one scale.
Bark Identification
The bark of the Prairie Reflection® Willow is relatively smooth but does have shallow, longitudinal furrows.
Fruit Identification
The fruit of the Prairie Reflection® Willow are very small seed capsules. They turn brown and split open when matured. The tiny seeds are covered by fine hairs to help them disperse using the wind.
Flower Identification
The Prairie Reflection® Willow is dioecious. The male flowers are 1″ to 2 1/2″ long, yellow catkins. They usually only have about 3 or 4 stamens. The female flowers are 1 1/2″ to 3″ long, green catkins.
‘Silver Lake’ Identification
The ‘Silver Lake’ designation was so named for this tree’s reflectiveness. This cultivar is also stouter, more productive, and more uniformly globular in shape.