Salix hookeriana

RHS Plant Profile
coastal willow

Other common names

dune willow, Hooker's willow

Plants for pollinators
Shrubs Trees

A very variable species, either a small tree up to 8m high or a shrub, sometimes forming shrubby thickets when prostrate branches layer themselves. Oblong leaves, up to 15cm long, which are glossy dark green above and felted blue-green below are held on glossy, red-brown branches. Catkins appear in spring; the males up to 5cm long and the females up to 12 cm long

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, 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

Chalk Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained or Poorly–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
H5

Colour & Scent

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
NW America

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in full sun in moist or wet soil

Propagation

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

Suggested planting locations and garden types

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

Pruning

Pruning group 1 (little or no pruning of trees and shrubs)

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