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swamp willow

swamp willow

6.9
A small tree or shrub with narrow leaves that grows near lakes and rivers
  • noun
  • /swɑmp ˈwɪloʊ/
  • US
translation icon : sauce de pantano
  • The swamp willow thrives in wetland habitats along riverbanks.

Examples

  • We spotted a row of swamp willow trees beside the lake during our hike.

  • Gardeners often plant swamp willow for erosion control near ponds.

  • The swamp willow thrives in wetland areas.

  • Many swamp willows grow along the riverbank.

  • Gardeners often plant swamp willow for erosion control near ponds.

  • The swamp willow thrives in wetland habitats along riverbanks.

  • We spotted a row of swamp willow trees beside the lake during our hike.

Synonyms

Salix nigra
vsswamp willow
  • Specialized
9.1

A type of willow tree with dark bark and narrow leaves that grows near water

is a general description focusing on plant form rather than species name
black willow
vsswamp willow
  • US
6.4

A North American tree with dark bark and narrow leaves that grows near streams and lakes

is broader covering shrub or small tree sizes as well as trees

Surface Forms

swamp willow singular
swamp willows plural

Morphology

swamp + willow

The meaning ('a willow that grows in swamps') is directly and compositionally derivable from 'swamp' + 'willow'—it denotes a willow associated with swampy habitat. This noun+noun naming pattern is common cross-linguistically and follows transparent English compounding, so a B1 learner who knows both words would readily infer the meaning.

Etymology

Swamp willow is named from the words swamp and willow, which creates the image of a willow tree growing in wet, swampy ground. That's why the name refers to the small trees or shrubs you see by rivers and ponds, whose roots help hold the soil and stop it from washing into the water.