Shrub growing to 5 meters tall common in wetlands and lake shores, its flowering starts before the leaves are produced. This species grows in damp areas and its foliage extends above the water creating shady areas valued by fish (especially pikes) and acting as a shelter for water birds (such as the common moorhen and the water rail), frogs and snakes.
Gray willow
![](https://www.risorgivedibressanvido.it/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Salix-cinerea-21-Grauwe-wilg-Saxifraga-Rutger-Barendse.jpg)