Anyone who visits the James surely has noticed a plant, 1 to 3 feet tall, that grows along the banks, on islands and between rocks.

This is water willow, and in warm months it is emerald green, with small, declicate white-and-purple flowers.

Now, however, the plant is turning to gold.

The willows shift from green to a warm yellow this time of year. The colors will be brilliant for several days before the leaves turn brown.

If you are on Brown’s Island for the Folk Festival this weekend, stroll out on the catwalk that juts into the river near the island’s west end. Look about 30 feet to your right, upriver, and you’ll see a small island covered with the golden willows.

It’s worth the walk.