Flow cytometry (FCM) has been used to estimate the nuclear DNA content of 11 Salix species and 5 hybrids. One hundred and sixty nine individuals were studied including 159 individuals from a sequence of 32 communities along a stretch of river in France and 10 individuals from French and English collections for comparison. Isolated nuclei were stained with propidium iodide. FCM was a significantly more practical and rapid technique than that of establishing the karyotype to survey many samples of Salix for variation in ploidy. The 2C DNA amounts for diploid species ranged from 0.76 to 0.98 pg, and tetraploid values ranged from 1.62 to 1.80 pg. The DNA values were consistent with the known ploidy levels. With the exception of a doubtful Salix xquercifolia, ploidy levels and DNA amounts of hybrids were intermediate compared with those of their parents. Intraspecific variation of nuclear DNA values including instrumental variation was low (i.e., 6-11% at the same ploidy level). FCM appeared to be an accurate tool for determination of Salix triploid hybrids. However, it remains limited concerning hybrids from crosses between species of the same ploidy level. Results suggest that natural hybridization might not be frequent in the communities studied, although they have been subject to disturbance. Previous overestimates of hybridization frequency in willows were probably due to misinterpretation of the effects of the environment on Salix spp. morphology; however, the extent and mechanisms of introgression in the genus remain to be further investigated. Key words: flow cytometry, Salix, hybridization, nuclear DNA content, riparian vegetation, disturbance.