Common osier
Salix viminalis
The long, narrow leaves of common osier are dark green and glossy on the topside, with silvery felt-like hairs on the underside. It’s a bushy plant that’s ideal for beds and borders, reaching its full height in just a couple of years. Flowers are green and the yellow catkins appear in late winter to early spring. Female catkins develop fruit capsules which split open to release tiny seeds.
Common osier estimated full grown height:
7 metres, growing an estimated 100cm each year.
Purchase size and growth:
These trees are cell-grown saplings, ranging from approximately 15cm-60cm in height. Cell grown trees can be planted all year round in most situations as long as they are given the correct care. Please be aware that depending upon the time of year you receive your sapling (particularly early spring) it may not look very perky upon arrival, please do not worry once it has been planted it should pick up quickly.
Value to wildlife:
Caterpillars of a number of moth species feed on the foliage, including the lackey, herald and red-tipped clearwing. The catkins provide an important source of early nectar and pollen for bees and other insects, and the branches make good nesting and roosting sites for birds.
Common osier preferred soil type or environmental conditions:
Often found in wet situations such as riversides. Common Osier doesn’t grow well in alkaline soils and prefers full sunlight.
UK and Ireland Sourced and Grown (UKISG):
Every sapling that we provide is UK and Ireland sourced and grown to minimise the risk of importing and spreading tree pests and diseases. Seeds are collected and stored in the UK and Ireland, and they are all coded and batched so that we can track each individual tree.
Learn more about this species on our common osier profile.
The images in this product listing show the saplings bundled and wrapped. This plastic wrap is made from LDPE (low-density polyethylene) and is 100% recyclable, we encourage users to recycle them when you are ready to plant your trees.
