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Salix alba

Image of Salix alba

JC Raulston Arboretum at NC State University

Family

Salicaceae

Botanical Name

Salix alba

Plant Common Name

White Willow

General Description

White willow is a large, fast-growing, spreading, deciduous tree native to Europe, western Asia, and northern Africa. Its long, narrow green leaves are among the first to appear in spring and persist well into fall. In early spring, fuzzy yellow catkins are borne along the slender branchlets. Yellowish twigs provide some winter interest. It likes full sun and moist soil. White willow is usually grown in the form of one of its many cultivars.

Characteristics

  • AHS Heat Zone

    9 - 1

  • USDA Hardiness Zone

    4 - 9

  • Sunset Zone

    A2, A3, 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24

  • Plant Type

    Tree

  • Sun Exposure

    Full Sun

  • Height

    75'-100' / 22.9m - 30.5m (80)

  • Width

    40'-100' / 12.2m - 30.5m (80)

  • Bloom Time

    Early Spring

  • Native To

    Europe, Northern Africa, Central Asia, Western Asia

Growing Conditions

  • Soil pH

    Acidic, Neutral

  • Soil Drainage

    Average

  • Soil type

    Loam

  • Tolerances

    Wet Site

  • Growth Rate

    Very Fast

  • Water Requirements

    Average Water

  • Habit

    Oval/Rounded

  • Seasonal Interest

    Spring, Summer

Ornamental Features

  • Flower Interest

    None

  • Flower Color

    Yellow

  • Fruit Color

    Brown

  • Foliage Color (Spring)

    Green

  • Foliage Color (Summer)

    Green

  • Foliage Color (Fall)

    Yellow

  • Bark Color

    Brown

  • Fragrant Flowers

    No

  • Fragrant Fruit

    No

  • Fragrant Foliage

    No

  • Bark or Stem Fragrant

    No

  • Repeat Bloomer

    No

  • Showy Fruit

    No

  • Edible Fruit

    No

  • Showy Foliage

    No

  • Foliage Texture

    Fine

  • Foliage Sheen

    Matte

  • Evergreen

    No

  • Showy Bark

    No

Special Characteristics

  • Bark Texture

    Corky

  • Usage

    Feature Plant, Shade Trees, Water Gardens

  • Sharp or Has Thorns

    No

  • Invasive

    No

  • Self-Sowing

    No