Salix viminalis
basket willow
Overview
Salix viminalis is a fast-growing deciduous shrub or small tree reaching 10-20 feet (3-6 m) tall, with numerous long, straight, flexible stems rising from the base. The young shoots are slender, greenish to grey, and pliable, the feature that makes the species the principal willow used for basketry. The leaves are narrow and lance-shaped, 4-10 inches (10-25 cm) long, dark green above and densely covered with silky silvery hairs beneath, with slightly inrolled margins. Silvery catkins appear in early spring before the leaves, the males yellow with pollen and the females greenish on separate plants. Seeds are tiny and carried on white down. It grows naturally along riverbanks, wet meadows, and fens, tolerating periodic flooding. Plants regrow vigorously after being cut to the base, the basis of traditional coppicing for rods. A limitation is the brittleness of older wood and the strong, spreading root system, which can interfere with drains and foundations near buildings.
Native Range
Salix viminalis is native to Europe and central and eastern Asia. It grows naturally on wet ground along rivers and in floodplains, and has long been planted and naturalized beyond its original range for basket-making.Suggested Uses
Salix viminalis is grown for basketry rods, living willow structures, and biomass, as well as for stabilizing riverbanks and wet ground. The dense growth gives shelter and nesting cover for birds, and the early catkins supply pollen for bees. It is used in windbreaks and screens on damp sites where its spread can be managed.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height10' - 20'
Width/Spread8' - 15'
Bloom Information
Catkins emerge in early spring, typically February to April, before the leaves unfold. Male catkins turn yellow with pollen while female catkins are greenish and borne on separate plants. Wind and early insects carry the pollen between them.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
yellow (male), green (female)Foliage Description
dark green above, silvery beneathGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-12 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