Common Osier

Common Osier Overview

Salix viminalis is a deciduous shrub or tree species from the Salicaceae family. Originating from Europe to Mongolia, it is commonly known by the names Basket Willow, Common Osier and Hemp Willow, amongst others. It is hardy and has a bushy habit and may form multiple trunks, easily growing to 6m in height. Leaves are narrow and lance-shaped, measuring up to 20cm in length, with silver hairs on the undersides. The leaves appear from narrow, buds which lie close to the stems. Flowers form 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 grey-brown and has a cracked texture. Stems are flexible and yellow-green in colour.