Salix nakamurana var. yezoalpina
Yezo alpine willow
Japan (Hokkaido; alpine/subalpine zones; rocky slopes above treeline; smallest willow in cultivation; prostrate mat 4-8 inches; cool summer preference)
Overview
Salix nakamurana var. yezoalpina is a deciduous dwarf groundcover shrub reaching 4-8 inches (10-20 cm) tall with a spread of 24-36 inches (60-90 cm) and a prostrate, mat-forming habit—among the smallest willows in cultivation. Native to alpine and subalpine zones of Japan (Hokkaido), it produces small, glossy, dark green, rounded to obovate leaves 0.5-1 inch (1-2.5 cm) long on reddish-brown creeping stems. Tiny catkins 0.5-1 inch (1-2.5 cm) long appear in spring. Growth rate is slow. Hardy to zone 4. The extreme dwarfism and prostrate habit distinguish this from all other willows. Rock garden and alpine trough plant. Requires sharp drainage and cool conditions—may struggle in hot, humid summers.
Native Range
Salix nakamurana var. yezoalpina is native to Japan—Hokkaido—in alpine and subalpine zones on rocky slopes and fellfields above treeline.Suggested Uses
Planted in alpine troughs, rock gardens, or scree beds. The smallest willow. Prostrate mat 4-8 inches tall. Glossy miniature leaves. Sharp drainage required. Cool summer preference. Alpine Hokkaido Japan. Slow growing. May struggle in heat and humidity. Not suitable for borders, general landscaping, or hot-summer regions.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height4" - 8"
Width/Spread2' - 3'
Bloom Information
Tiny catkins 0.5-1 inch (1-2.5 cm) in spring. Catkins are secondary to the miniature foliage and prostrate habit.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Tiny catkins 0.5-1 inch; spring; inconspicuousFoliage Description
Glossy dark green; rounded to obovate 0.5-1 inch; tiny; reddish-brown stems; deciduousGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Plant in full sun to light shade in well-drained, gritty, humus-rich soil (pH 5.5-7.0). Hardy to zone 4. Requires sharp drainage—crown rot in wet winter soils. Prefers cool summers. Alpine/rock garden conditions. Mulch with gravel. May struggle in hot, humid climates.Pruning
No pruning needed. Remove any dead stems in spring. The prostrate mat-forming habit develops naturally.Container Growing
Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 1 gallons