Willow

Botanical name: Salix

Willows are a varied group of often fast-growing, deciduous trees and shrubs. They are popular for their winter or spring catkins, vibrant stem colour and attractive foliage, and most will thrive in permanently wet ground. Left to grow naturally, many form graceful specimen trees suited to very large gardens.

However, you can prune some willows to restrict their size and encourage bright, colourful or contorted stems, at their best during winter. Some dwarf forms are ideal for rock gardens, containers and as ground cover.