Salix pentandra

RHS Plant Profile
bay willow
bay willow RHS

Other common names

bay-leaved willow, laurel-leaved willow, willow bay, sweet willow

Plants for pollinators
Shrubs Trees

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

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

8-12 metres

Max Spread

wider than 8 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
5–10 years
Max Spread
wider than 8 metres
Max Height
8-12 metres

Growing Conditions

Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Salicaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
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
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

Pruning group 1

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids and caterpillars

Diseases

May be susceptible to willow anthracnose, scab, canker, honey fungus and rust