Abstract: The distribution of willows in China is studied in this paper. The origin of this genus and its distribution in the world are also discussed. There are 255 species of willows in China, taking up 46% of the total number of species of this genus in the world. They belong to 37 sections, which represent almost all forms. China is therefore the richest area in species and sections of willows in the world. This is mostly caused by the uplifting of Qinghai-Xizang (Tibet) plateau. The willows in China are mainly distributed in northwestern, northeastern and southwestern regions. The northwest is a part of central Asian flora. The northeast is a part of northeastern Asian flora. They both have some of the Europe-Siberia and Arctic-Alpine elements. Qinghai-Xizang plateau is another important distribution center of willows, which has no close relation with other floristic regions. As one of typical genera of the Holarctic flora, Salix has probably originated in the tropical mountains of Southeast Asia.

Key words: Salix, geographical distribution