golden willow
Salix alba
RHS AGM 1993
USDA zones2 to 8
SunHandles full sun to partial sun
WaterHandles moderate to wet soil
Size6 to 70 feet tall6 to 50 feet wide
- Growth rate
- Rapid
- Habit
- Erect
- Bloom season
- Spring
- Bloom color
- Grayish-white
- Foliage color
- Green, white
- Fall color
- Yes
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Golden willow (Salix alba) is a tree for specimen planting, rain gardens, and cottage gardens. It is hardy to USDA zone 2, or down to -50°F (-46°C). This plant likes full or part sun and average to wet, sandy, loamy, or clay soil. Grayish-white flowers open in early to late spring, and birds visit the tree. It sits low on the menu for deer. This tree grows fast, so give it plenty of room.
Pairs well with European white birch, Sweetgale, and Rush.
Native range
Europe and northern Africa to central Asia.