Question: Plant is located on a pond shore in Arlington, MA. I've been told that it is rusty willow, salix atrocinerea. …
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Question
Plant is located on a pond shore in Arlington, MA. I've been told that it is rusty willow, salix atrocinerea. Is that correct? From what I could find out about rusty willow, it would normally bloom in the early spring, before it leafs out, but this plant is blooming now (late May). Thanks!
Answer
Dear versicolor, thank you for the images. I would need additional photographs to help you with a confident identification. I'm unable to see the underside of any leaves, where crucial information is located that helps with species determination. I can tell you if these two images are from the same individual, you willow is not Salix cinerea ssp. oleifolia (synonym: Salix atrocinerea). If you want to send additional images to ahaines[at]newenglandwild.org, I would be happy to help further. Best wishes.
