Salix aegyptiaca

RHS Plant Profile
musk willow

Other common names

Calaf of Persica willow

Synonyms

Salix medemii
Salix muscina misapplied

Plants for pollinators
Shrubs Trees

A bushy shrub or small tree with red-purple shoots and oblong, dark green leaves up to 15cm long. Fragrant, silvery, male and female catkins are borne on separate trees in late winter or early spring, before the leaves open. Male catkins are up to 4cm long with bright yellow anthers; female catkins up to 8cm long

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

4-8 metres

Max Spread

4-8 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
10–20 years
Max Spread
4-8 metres
Max Height
4-8 metres

Growing Conditions

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

Position

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

Colour & Scent

Fragrance Flower
Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Salicaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
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
SW to C Asia

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in any deep, moist soil in full sun

Propagation

Propagate by softwood or hardwood cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Wildlife gardens
  • Coastal
  • Low Maintenance
  • Hedging and screens

Pruning

Pruning group 1

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids, caterpillars, leaf beetles, sawflies, willow scale

Diseases

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