Salix cinerea subsp. oleifolia
rusty sallow
A deciduous tree to 10m tall, found in damp places. Twigs are yellow and red when young, bark attractively fissured in diamond patterns when mature. Elongated oval shaped leaves with a grey sheen. Round, silvery male catkins with yellow pollen and female green catkins are borne on separate trees
Size
Ultimate height
8–12 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
4–8 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Poorly–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Red Yellow | Green Grey Silver | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green Grey Silver | |||
| Autumn | Green Grey Silver | |||
| Winter | Green Yellow |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or North–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Salicaceae
- Native to the UK
- Yes
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Salix are deciduous shrubs and trees of diverse habit, with simple leaves and tiny flowers in catkins, male and female usually on separate plants. Some are valued for their brightly coloured winter shoots, others for their foliage or showy male catkins
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Europe, S Russia
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in any deep moist well-drained soil in full sun. Good for natural settings, such as meadow and stream side gardens. Foliage provides a food source for moth and butterfly caterpillar species. Catkins provide an early pollen source for bees
Propagation
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Coastal
- Wildlife gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Hedging and screens
Pruning
Pests
May be susceptible to aphids, caterpillars, leaf beetles and sawflies
Diseases
May be susceptible to willow anthracnose, scab, canker, honey fungus and rust
Get involved
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