Salix myrsinifolia
dark-leaved willow
A deciduous, branching shrub, up to around 3m high, with downy young stems, and dark green, serrated leaves covered with fine hairs on the top surface and smooth underneath. Catkins are produced alongside the new leaves in spring
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Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
1.5–2.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | White Yellow | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Green Yellow | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical 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, Asia
How to grow
Cultivation
Thrives in deep, moist but well-drained soil in full sun. Dislikes shallow chalk
Propagation
Propagate by softwood cuttings in early summer, or by hardwood cuttings in winter
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Pests
May be susceptible to aphids, including large willow bark aphid, caterpillars, willow leaf beetle, sawflies and willow scale insects
Diseases
May be susceptible to willow anthracnose, honey fungus and rust diseases
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