Salix exigua

Native to Western North America, Salix exigua is a lovely willow with eye-catching, silvery-grey leaves and slender catkins appearing on the branches in spring.

A handsome foliage plant, Salix exigua looks particularly fine when planted next to and allowed to arch out over streams or ponds where the silvery leaves can be reflected by the water.

• Position: Full sun or partial shade.
• Soil: Well drained, fertile soil. Unlike many other willows, Salix exigua usually prefers a dry, well drained soil and can fail in very wet areas.
• Hardiness: Hardy.
• Rate of Growth: Moderate.
• Habit: Salix exigua grows to be a large, branching shrub.
  • Height: 3 m (10 ft) - 4 m (13 ft)
  • Spread: 3 m (10 ft) - 4 m (13 ft)

• Pruning: Salix exigua is very effective if pruned back to 30 cm (1 ft) above the ground each spring before coming into leaf. This encourages it to produce vigorous arching stems and fresh, beautiful silvery foliage.