Salix alba 'Tristis' ambig.

RHS Plant Profile
white willow 'Tristis'
white willow 'Tristis' RHS 2002

Synonyms

Salix vitellina 'Pendula'
Salix alba 'Vitellina Tristis'

Plants for pollinators
Trees

A fast-growing weeping willow with narrow leaves on slender yellow branches, and slim female catkins in early spring

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

Higher than 12 metres

Max Spread

wider than 8 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
20–50 years
Max Spread
wider than 8 metres
Max Height
Higher than 12 metres

Growing Conditions

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

Position

Full sun
Aspect
North–facing or West–facing or South–facing or East–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
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Pendulous weeping
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
Accepted

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in moderately fertile deep soil in full sun. Very fast growing

Propagation

Propagate by softwood cuttings in early summer or hardwood cuttings in winter

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Coastal
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Hedging and screens

Pruning

Pruning group 1. Can be hard pruned if rejuvenating. Also suitable fo pollarding

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