Salix candida

A handsome species of willow native to North America, Salix candida has large grey, felt-like, wooly leaves and eye-catching, large yellow catkins in late winter or early spring. If coppiced yearly, this male form makes a beautiful, vigorous but small, foliage plant which is very suitable for gardens of most sizes. If left unpruned, Salix candida will become a taller shrub suitable for larger gardens.

The soft leaves are very tactile, making it an interesting addition to gardens planted to stimulate all the senses.

• Position: Full sun or partial shade.
• Soil: Any fertile soil.
• Hardiness: Hardy.
• Rate of Growth: Moderate.
• Habit: Large, branching shrub with a rounded habit if left unpruned.
  • Height: 4 m (13 ft)
  • Spread: 4 m (13 ft)

• Notes: Salix candida makes an effective garden plant 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.