White Willow
Salix alba
The white willow is grown from cuttings rather than seed and is a large, fast-growing tree often found growing close to water. The name comes from its pale slender leaves which have small hairs on the underside, creating a silvery appearance as they move in the wind. Yellow male catkins and green female catkins form on separate trees in spring. The female catkins ripen to produce fluffy seeds which are distributed by the wind. White willow will thrive in a sunny spot and we recommend that it is planted in spaces with no pipework nearby.
White willow full grown height:
25 meters
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 white willow leaves, including the puss moth, willow ermine, eyed hawk-moth and red underwing. The catkins are an important source of early nectar and pollen for bees and other insects, and the branches make good nesting and roosting sites for birds.
White willow preferred soil type or environmental conditions:
Will grow in a sunny spot and prefers water sources.
UK and Ireland Sourced and Grown (UKISG):
Every sapling that we provide is UK sourced and grown to minimise the risk of importing and spreading tree pests and diseases. Seeds are collected and stored in the UK and they are all coded and batched so that we can track each individual tree.
More information about this tree is available here.
