salix
( SAY - licks )
At-A-Glance InformationCommonly called Willow, this genus includes both deciduous trees and shrubs that require full sun and regular to ample water. They are fast growing and weak-wooded, as well as being relatively short-lived. They are great near bodies of water, but are also wonderful shade trees for lawns and patios. All of these plants have invasive roots that steal moisture from other plants, it is not recommended that they have under-plantings.
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salix Species and Varietals
The best growing zones for Salix vary depending on the species. For more information, see the following descriptions. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.
Salix alba (White Willow)
This tree does well in zones A2, A3, 1-11 and 14-24 and is native to Europe and North Africa. It has an upright habit and to 75-100 feet tall and 50-100 feet wide, with yellow-brown bark and bright green foliage with silvery undersides. Leaves may turn yellow in fall. Varieties are grown for their colorful twigs; see the listings below.
Salix alba 'Tristis' (Salix babylonica aurea, Salix 'Niobe')
(Golden Weeping Willow) This variety reaches 50-70 feet tall and just as wide or a little wider, and has bright yellow young stems. A great weeping selection. |
Salix alba vitellina
This upright grower has yellow stems in wintertime, and is commonly cut back yearly before spring growth to a foot tall to encourage a better color display. Will reach around 8 feet tall in one season. Variety 'Britzensis' has orange-red stems. |
Salix babylonica (Weeping Willow) This tree is best in zones 3-24, H1 and H2 and is native to China. It reaches 30-50 feet tall and just as wide (or a little wider). Branchlets are green or brown, and the tree has a pronounced weeping habit. Varieties include 'Crispa' (also called 'Annularis', Ringleaf Willow, or Corkscrew Willow; with curled leaves and a narrower habit than the species). |
Salix caprea (French Pussy Willow, Pink Pussy Willow) This species can be grown as a shrub or tree and is best in zones 2-11 and 14-24. These plants are native from northeastern Asia through to Europe, and have dark green leaves with gray, hairy undersides. Male trees produce pink-gray catkins before leafout. Can be cut to the ground every few years to keep a shrubby size. Variety 'Kilmarnock' (also known as 'Pendula') has a sprawling habit and is usually grafted onto a more upright variety, forming a 6-8 foot tall and 6 foot wide tree. |
Salix 'Golden Curls' ('Erythroflexuosa') Grown as either a shrub or a tree, this species does well in zones 3-11 and 14-24. It is a cross between Salix alba 'Tristis' and Salix matsudana 'Tortuosa', and reaches 30 feet tall and wide, with twisting branches and glossy, curling green leaves. Fall foliage is yellow. New growth has bright yellow bark. Cut back hard in wintertime after it has established itself to keep new colorful growth coming in. Variety 'Scarlet Curls' has scarlet new bark. |
Salix gracilistyla (Rose-Gold Pussy Willow) This species takes the form of a shrub, and reaches 6-10 feet tall and 12 feet wide. These shrubs grow best in zones 3-11 and 14-24, and have grey-green leaves with bluish undersides. Male shrubs produce catkins with rose-gold anthers on branches; these look wonderful in cut flower arrangements. Every 3-4 years cut the plant back to stubs to encourage new vigorous growth. Variety 'Melanostachys' has black catkins with red anthers. |
Salix integra 'Hakuro Nishiki' (Dappled Willow) Best in zones 3-9 and 14-17, this shrub is native to Korea and Japan. It commonly reaches 4-6 feet tall with a weeping habit, and stems and leaf buds are salmon-colored. Leaves are light green, marked with white and pink. Color is best when the shrub is given partial shade. |
Salix matsudana (Salix babylonica pekinensis) (Hankow Willow)
This species takes the form of a tree, and has an upright, pyramid-shape. These trees do best in zones 3-11 and 14-24, and have bright green, narrow leaves. This species can get by on less water than others and can tolerate more salt in the soil. They are popularly grown in high desert areas. Varieties are listed below.
'Tortuosa' (Dragon-Claw Willow, Corkscrew Willow)
30 feet tall and 20 feet wide, with twisting, upright branches. Great winter silhouette; branches are used in cut flower arrangements. Best in zones 3-11 and 14-24. |
'Umbraculifera' (Globe Willow)
This variety reaches 35 feet tall and just as wide, with an umbrella-shaped head and upright branches with drooping branchlets. |
Salix nakamurana yezo-alpina (Creeping Alpine Willow) This interesting species is best in zones 2-6 nd 15-17 and takes the form of a low-spreading plant that reaches just 2 feet tall and over 10 feet wide. L eaves are bright green and heart-shaped, and have silky white hairs when new. Fall foliage is yellow-gold. Male plants have creamy white catkins. Great as a rock garden groundcover. Needs well-draining soil with a lower nitrogen content (add peat and fine gravel amendments to soil before planting). |
Salix purpurea (Purple Osier, Alaska Blue Willow) This shrub is great in zones A2, A3, and 1-11. It is native to North Africa, central and eastern Asia, and Europe, and has purple branches. It tops out around 15 feet tall and just as wide, and leaves are dark green on top, bluish underneath. Can become overgrown, but a hard pruning can correct shape and encourage vigorous new growth. Varieties include 'Canyon Blue' (fast growth to 5 feet tall and 4 feet wide with blue-grey leaves), 'Gracilis' (also called 'Nana' or Dwarf Purple Osier, with slim branches; usually kept as a low hedge about 1-3 feet tall and wide). |
Caring for and pruning salix Trees
Propagation
Problems and Pests
Gallery
Videos
A video all about growing camellias successfully
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Propagating camellias
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Resources
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Pages 582 - 583, Salix
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