Salix alba riparian gallery

[Salix alba]-dominated gallery of the Thermo/Meso/Supra-Mediterranean and pre-steppic zones developed along rivers. [Salix] spp. arborescent formations, lining flowing water and submitted to periodic flooding, developed on recently deposited alluvion. Willow brushes are particularly characteristic of rivers originating in major mountain ranges. Shrubby willow formations also constitute an element of lowland and hill riverine successions in all major biomes, often making the belt closest to the water course. Vegetation of alliance species [Salix alba], [Populus alba], [Populus nigra], [Lycopus europaeus] and [Urtica dioica]. May be affected by the invasive alien species [Erigeron spp.], [Bidens spp.], sometimes associated with [Salix acmophylla]