More Spring Flowers

Another lovely day saw Malcolm and I walking around Straw's Bridge pond, along Derby Road into Ilkeston and through town before returning home. On our way we passed the lake known as the Manners Floods around which several willow trees were in full flower. These trees are actually Goat Willows, Salix caprea, also known as Pussy Willow or Great Sallow.
A closer look reveals the flowers in all their glory. Looking like small brushes they are yet another indication of spring.
Willows such as these contain, within their bark, the chemical Salicin which has an anti-inflammatory action and is synthesised to make aspirin.