Features

Rosemary willow usually grows as a shrub, but can also grow to the size of a tree. Its narrow, lance-shaped leaves have a length of up to 12 cm. The leaves have entire margins and are often slightly serrated towards the tip. The underside of the leaf is greyish white in color, due to its thick, woolly hairs. Rosemary willow is found in southern and central Europe and Asia Minor.

Habitat and way of life

Rosemary willow is a species native to mountainous and sub-mountainous rivers and grows on the gravel banks of these rivers. It prefers periodically wet to dry, chalky soils, but can also be found in wet areas. It is adapted to the dynamics of Alpine rivers, with their ever-changing morphology and frequent flooding, and requires plenty of light.

Protection and endangerment

Rosemary willow is not endangered in Germany. On the Red List for Bavaria, the species is classified in the early warning stage. Due to the straightening and damming of the rivers, many areas lack the necessary fluvial dynamics to form new gravel banks, which the species relies on. On static gravel banks, it becomes overpowered by other competitive shrubs that deprive it of the light it needs to grow.