The Salicaceae encompasses 54 genera and ca 1,270 species of shrubs and trees including the willows, poplars, aspens, and cottonwoods; the family is distributed nearly worldwide. Most species have simple, alternate leaves, with blade margins toothed or entire. Inflorescences include racemes, spikes or cymes, usually in a form of catkins. The sepals are greatly reduced or absent, and there are no petals. Flowering occurring before leaves emerge or year-round. Fruit are capsular; seeds sometimes surrounded by fluffy hairs, permitting wind dispersal. Some species are clonal.

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