FLORA OF ICELAND elements: Salix alaxensis , Feltleaf Willow, Alaskavíðir

Salix alaxensis; the Feltleaf Willow is an introduced species from the America's. I saw it while driving towards Egilsstaðir from the east-coast. A farmer apparently planted this tree around his property for wind-protection. Most characteristic are the white "felt"-like bottom side of the leaves. Other introduced species with hairy bottom sides miss the clearly visible stipules on the base of the leaf-stem at the twigs. It is a member of the willow family (Salicaceae). The Icelandic name of this species is Alaskavíðir.