Salicaceae
Dioecious trees or shrubs with soft, light wood. Lvs alternate, or occasionally opposite on some shoots, simple, deciduous, stipulate. Fls numerous, each in the axil of a bract (scale), usually appearing before or with the lvs, densely arranged in erect or pendulous catkins. Bracts membranous, caducous or persistent. Perianth represented by a small cupular disc or 1-2 small nectaries. ♂ fls: stamens 2-numerous; filaments slender, free or united; anthers 2-locular. ♀ fls: ovary 2-carpellate, 1-locular; placentas 2-4, parietal or basal; ovules (4)-merous; styles 1-2; stigmas 2, often 2-fid. Fr. a 2-4-valved capsule. Seeds numerous, small, surrounded and enveloped by fine silky hairs, anatropous, non-endospermic; embryo straight.
4 genera, c. 330-530 spp., N. temperate regions, especially montane, Andes.
