Shrubs in the Latvian landscape seem to be a common and for many also uninteresting part of the landscape. However, with the development of agriculture, the area of shrubs in Latvia is also decreasing. In Latvia, shrubs consist mainly of one or more of the 20 species of the willow genus found in Latvia. Willows historically have been used in folk medicine, aspirin also was originally derived from willow bark. Wicker baskets and other wickerwork were and are used in almost every house. The nightingale also lives in the city centre just because there are bushes. Since willows bloom in early spring, before the leaves bloom, they are very important nectar plants. How many different species of willow can you count in the Esplanade wetland?