Haven’t you noticed how the light dances on those leaves? These are the Silber-Weiden-Reihen am Horstweg. Three rows of silver willow trees stand here. They mark a special place in Potsdam.
The Silber-Weiden-Reihen am Horstweg are more than just trees. They are a natural monument. The city protects them. These trees stand north of the Horstweg near An den Kopfweiden.
What makes the Silber-Weiden-Reihen am Horstweg so special? The silver willow is a unique tree. Its leaves look silver. They are narrow and lance-shaped. This willow is one of the few that grows into a tree. It can reach 35 meters in height. Usually, they do not grow like shrubs. Young trees have pointy crowns. Older trees crowns look formless.
These willows are Kopfbaume. This means that they are pollarded. People cut back the branches regularly. This helps with timber production. The tree is not felled. Old pollarded trees are important habitats. Birds and insects live here. Their unique shape matters too.
The Silber-Weiden-Reihen am Horstweg need protection. This is because of their regional importance. They are also rare. The trees are located in Flur 8. Their trunk circumferences measure from 410 to 450 cm.
Take a closer look at the Silber-Weiden-Reihen am Horstweg. Imagine the work needed to maintain them. Think of the creatures that call them home. These trees tell a story of nature. They narrate how nature and humans coexist. The Silber-Weiden-Reihen am Horstweg show Potsdam’s commitment. Potsdam protects its natural heritage.