Prairie Willow, female flowers (Salix humilis)  In April and May, long before the leaves appear,
the erect branches are covered with flowering spikes called catkins. This photograph shows the larger,
darker colored female catkins. The seeds are very small and covered with a tuft of white
hairs which enables them to be carried by the wind. Native to North America.



(Photograph was made Friday, the 10th of May, 2002)