Salix pentandra
bay willow
S. pentandra is is a bushy deciduous tree to 10m tall, with glossy dark green leaves to 12cm long, and 5cm long catkins in early summer, the showy males yellow, the females green
Buy this plant
Size
Ultimate height
8–12 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
Wider than 8 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green Yellow | Green | ||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–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
- Eurasia
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in moist, well-drained soil in full sun. Avoid alkaline soils
Propagation
Propagate by greenwood cuttings in nearly summer or by hardwood cuttings in winter
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Coastal
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Pests
May be susceptible to aphids and caterpillars
Diseases
May be susceptible to willow anthracnose, scab, canker, honey fungus and rust
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.