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1,704 bytes added ,  09:59, 19 November 2007
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{{Taxobox
| color = lightgreen
| name = Bay Willow
| status =

secure
| image = Salix pentandra0.jpg
| image_width = 240px
| image_caption = Bay Willow with early autumn colours, [[Kielder]], [[Northumberland]]
| regnum = [[Plant]]ae
| divisio = [[Flowering plant|Magnoliophyta]]
| classis = [[Dicotyledon|Magnoliopsida]]
| ordo = [[Malpighiales]]
| familia = [[Salicaceae]]
| genus = ''[[Willow|Salix]]''
| species = '''''S. pentandra'''''
| binomial = ''Salix pentandra''
| binomial_authority = [[Carolus Linnaeus|L.]]
}}

The '''Bay Willow''' (''Salix pentandra'') is a [[willow]] native to northern [[Europe]] and northern [[Asia]]. It is a large [[shrub]] or small [[tree]] growing to 14 m tall (rarely to 17 m), usually growing in wet, boggy ground. The [[Leaf|leaves]] are glossy dark green, 5-12 cm long and 2-5 cm broad, with a finely serrated margin. The [[plant sexuality|dioecious]] [[flower]]s are [[catkin]]s, produced in late spring after the leaves; the male catkins are yellow, 2-5 cm long, the female catkins greenish, 1.5-3 cm long; they are pollinated by bees. The [[fruit]] is a small [[capsule (fruit)|capsule]] containing numerous minute [[seed]]s embedded in white down which aids wind dispersal.

[[Image:Salix pentandra(02).jpg|left|thumb|Leaves]]
The name derives from the resemblance of the leaves to those of the [[Bay Laurel]]; other common names include '''Bay-leaved Willow''' and '''Laurel Willow'''. Its glossy leaves make it more decorative than many other willows, and it is often planted as an [[ornamental tree]]. It has become [[naturalisation (biology)|naturalised]] in northern [[North America]].

{{Commons|Salix pentandra}}

[[Category:Salicaceae|Willow, Bay]]
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