Bay Willow
Salix pentandra
Also known as
Laurel-Leaved Willow, Bay-Leaved Willow, Sweet Willow, Laurel Willow
Photo by Valerii Glazunov (CC BY 4.0)
Full Sun
Moderate watering
Frost Hardy
H6
RHS hardiness
-20°C
Minimum temperature
Expected size
Height | Spread | |
---|---|---|
12m | Max | 8m |
8m | Min | 8m |
10 years to reach maturity
Flowering
-
spring
-
summer
-
autumn
-
winter
More images of Bay Willow
Bay Willow Overview
Salix pentandra is a deciduous tree species from the Salicaceae family. Originating from Europe to Mongolia, it is commonly known by the names Bay Willow and Bay-Leaved Willow, amongst others. It is hardy and has a bushy habit, easily growing to 15m in height. Leaves are dark green with finely serrated edges and measure up to 12cm in length. Young foliage is sticky, appearing from narrow green-brown buds. Flowers appear from late spring to early summer, after the leaves. They are arranged in catkin structures and this species is dioecious and so produces male and female flowers on different plants. The female flowers are green and the male flowers yellow. Bark is coloured dark grey and has scaly textured ridges which cross. Stems are green-brown in colour and have a smoother texture.
Common problems with Bay Willow
How to propagate Bay Willow
Cuttings
Seed
Layering
By layering.
Special features of Bay Willow
Attractive leaves
Attractive flowers
Other uses of Bay Willow
Grown for their habit, foliage, catkins and, in some cases, colourful winter shoots. Suitable for coastal conditions. Attracts butterflies