Siberian Violet-Willow

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• Siberian Violet-Willow
• Violet Willow
• Caspic willow
• Siberian violet willow
• sharp-leaf willow

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Salix daphnoides subsp. acutifolia
• Vimen violacea

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. Moving through its taxonomic hierarchy, it resides in the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Malpighiales. Finally, it is a member of the family Salicaceae and is identified under the genus Salix.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a broad distribution across various regions of the European continent. In Northern Europe, its presence is noted in both Finland and Great Britain. Moving toward Middle Europe, the species can be found within the borders of Belgium. It also maintains a stable population throughout Germany. Finally, the geographical range extends further east to include Poland.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Salix acuifolia is primarily defined by its preference for riparian and alluvial environments, where it thrives in the immediate vicinity of rivers. This species is specifically adapted to colonize unstable substrates, frequently establishing itself within sandy soils found along riverbanks and floodplains. By occupying these habitats, the plant utilizes the high moisture availability and periodic sediment deposition characteristic of riverine systems, which provides the necessary conditions for its growth and distribution within its natural landscape.

Habitat :

rivers, sand

Life history

The life history of Salix acuifolia is characterized by its classification as a phanerophyte, a growth form where the perennating buds are located high above the ground on woody branches. Within this category, its developmental strategy aligns with the traits of a phanerophyte, ensuring its survival through seasonal changes by protecting its regenerative structures on elevated stems. This life form allows the plant to establish a robust presence in its habitat, utilizing its woody structure to endure environmental fluctuations while maintaining the capacity for perennial regrowth from its elevated buds.

Life form :

phanerophyte

Morphology

The morphology of Salix acuifolia is characterized by its robust, woody growth form, functioning as a self-supporting tree. This species typically reaches an average plant height of 6.5 m, though it has the capacity to grow to a maximum height of 12 m. As a terrestrial plant, it exists as an independent organism that does not function as a parasite or an epiphyte. Its structure is defined by its woody nature, which supports its upright, tree-like habit in its natural habitat.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

12 m

Plant height mean:

6.5 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Salix acuifolia is characterized by a C3 photosynthetic pathway, a common metabolic strategy in woody temperate species that involves the direct fixation of carbon dioxide via the enzyme Rubisco during the Calvin cycle. This metabolic framework is complemented by specific morphological adaptations in its foliage, notably a mean Specific Leaf Area (SLA) of 175.75 cm²/g. This relatively high SLA indicates a leaf structure that balances carbon assimilation efficiency with resource investment, suggesting a leaf morphology that is optimized for light interception and gas exchange within its ecological niche.

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Specific Leaf Area (SLA) mean:

175.75 cm²/g

Reproduction

The reproduction of Salix acuifolia is characterized by a specific seasonal flowering window and specialized biological mechanisms. The flowering period typically begins in March and concludes in April. During this time, the plant utilizes a biotic pollination syndrome, specifically relying on insects for the transfer of pollen. Furthermore, the species exhibits a lack of self-fertilization, meaning it requires cross-pollination to ensure genetic diversity. Once fertilization is successful, the plant employs an anemochorous dispersal syndrome, utilizing wind as the primary medium to transport its seeds away from the parent plant.

Dispersal syndrome :

anemochorous

Flowering time :

Mar

Flowering time :

Apr

Pollination syndrome :

insect

Pollination syndrome :

biotic

Self fertilization :

absent

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Salix acutifolia has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Isosalipurposide, salicin.

Isosalipurposide

1. Acta poloniae pharmaceutica

salicin

1. Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania)