About Salix atrocinerea Brot.
Salix atrocinerea, commonly known as grey willow or large gray willow, is a species of willow that grows as a bush or small tree reaching up to 12 m (39 ft) tall. It is a pioneer willow species that rapidly colonizes poor soils. This species has a mostly Atlantic distribution, ranging from Western Europe and North Africa to several Mediterranean islands. It occurs naturally in Britain, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Spain, Portugal, Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia, is very common in the Iberian Peninsula, and can also be found on Corsica. Salix atrocinerea hybridizes easily with other willow species, and many of its hybrids have been identified. It flowers from January through March or April, depending on its location, and its seeds ripen from April to July. This willow grows on freshly disturbed land, and prefers acidic soil. It is a very hardy species, and can even be found on beaches near the sea and on islands. It grows on sandy or gravel shores of rivers, streams, and ponds, as well as in moist meadows, valleys, and hedgerows. It occurs from sea level up to 2,000 m altitude, reaching the subalpine zone. A forest dominated by S. atrocinerea grows on the eastern end of Cortegada Island in permanently or temporarily waterlogged soils, while a mixed forest of S. atrocinerea and Alnus glutinosa grows on the western end of the island.
