The Violet Willow (Salix daphnoides) is a small deciduous that can reach between 6 to 8m meters in height with stems up to 20cm. It is a rounded, bushy shape with multiple stems spreading out at, or near ground level. The bark is smooth and grey and its twigs, when young, are generally pruinose with a dense glaucous bloom becoming glabrous, lustrous and dark reddish-brown, when older. The flowers appear just before the leaves open in spring. They are about 1.5 cm. long, opening to reveal numerous white stamens tipped with yellow pollen. The female flowers are more upright and develop thicker pale green carpels which receive the pollen.