Adress
Rue Chant d’Oiseaux / Vogelenzangstraat
Anderlecht
GPS coordinates :
50.8131
, 4.2751
Identity
Category :
Arbre remarquable
Latin name :
Salix alba
French name :
Saule blanc
Dutch name :
Gewone wilg
English name :
White willow
Family :
Salicaceae
Height :
8 m
Targeted height :
This species can grow up to 25 m, sometimes 30 m
Diameter of the crown :
6 m (estimation)
Trunk circumference :
368 cm
Expected circumference :
500 cm
Expected longevity :
Can live for 150 years
Origin / Indigenous
Europe, western and northern Asia, northern Africa
Favorite soil :
Prefers humid, light and fresh soils
Favorite climate
Temperate
Usefulness and services of the tree :
Enhances the landscape :
+++
Enhances the biodiversity :
+++
Provide oxygen :
+++
Purify the air :
+++
Filter the water :
+++
Prevents flooding :
+++
Stores carbon :
+
Softens the climate :
+
Limits soil erosion :
ø
Does good, heals :
+++
Belgian Federal State Collection on permanent loan to the [Meise Botanical Garden](<https://www.plantentuinmeise.be/en/home/>). Hempel, Die Bäume und Sträucher dese Waldes, pl. 27, 1889
Features and characters of the individual
Knotted but headstrong. This is the message that this white willow and its band of 21 companions seem to convey. Often the willow trunks remain "short on legs", they are hollow and open up over time, due to the size, the weight of the branches and also bad weather. In this case, their trunks are like huge vases, short and powerful, adorned with large rounded and bushy crowns. Perfectly aligned and all the same height, they shape the landscape of this meadow area. These willows have become acquainted with the countryside of Anderlecht. They have probably been planted to protect a farming area from floods and wind.
And their soft branches were used to make braided objects, hedges, baskets, etc. That seems like a time long gone though. The rural landscape of Anderlecht is gradually fading away. So that this isn’t forgotten, these white willows should be added to the safeguarding list. It would help them in fighting the growing pressure of city life.
ILLUSTRATIONS
This portrait is enriched with an illustration from the Belgian Federal State Collection on permanent loan to the Meise Botanical Garden. See attached. Thanks to the library (heritage collection) for this contribution.
