Salix is also widely known as the willow genus, it contains over 550 deciduous trees and shrubs including some dwarf species that grow to less than 6cm tall, instead spreading across the floor with a creeping habit. These are widely grown as ornamental specimens for their growth habit, foliage, catkin inflorescences and in some species, colourful winter shoots. Male plants produce more showy catkins, these are comprised of many tiny flowers with long stamens and no petals, usually cream, white or pink-purple in colour. Foliage varies across species within this genus, with narrow-leaved shrubs also known by the name osier and broader-leaved species called sallow. Generally leaves are oval to lance-shaped, with either smooth or toothed margins.