Sallies — but which?

'Sallies' — more properly 'sallows', is a common name for willows, whether grey willow or goat willow, or a hybrid of the two. The name Sallows is related to the Latin name: salix. Does 'willow' come, via Old German wilge, from Greek helike, twisted or 'twistable', which gives us helix (cf. DNA double helix).

We have two of these in our garden, and I am waiting to see whether the other has male catkins like this one — I can't remember from last year. Actually, since we inherited them, we cannot be certain whether our willows are some sort of ornamental variety.

But if we leave the science behind, can we imagine a great hairy something or other chasing something else with a long droopy nose, down a tree branch. Take your pick...