How to identify Purple willow (Salix purpurea)

How to identify Purple willow (Salix purpurea)

Purple willow, also known as Purple osier willow, Blue artic willow

Purple willow is a deciduous shrub known for its slender, purple-tinged twigs that provide a hint to its common name. This plant is versatile in its water needs, thriving in both moist and wet conditions. Its narrow, lance-shaped leaves oscillate in length from 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 cm) and are often accompanied by silky catkins that appear prior to the leafing period. With a growth habit that achieves a height of 4 to 8 feet (1.2 to 2.4 meters) and a similar spread, purple willow presents an upright, bushy silhouette. The foliage tends to carry a blue-green hue that contrasts with the colorful twigs.

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type: Shrub

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify Purple willow

Slender, purple-tinged twigs distinguish the plant's appearance.

Lance-shaped leaves vary from 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 cm) in length.

Silky catkins precede the leafing period, adding a unique touch.

Grows upright to a height of 4 to 8 feet (1.2 to 2.4 meters).

Foliage exhibits a distinctive blue-green color contrasting with colorful twigs.

Purple willow and Their Similar Plants

Goat willow vs. Purple willow: What's The Difference?

Goat willow (Salix caprea) is a small deciduous tree or large shrub also known as pussy willow. Goat willow is native to Europe and western and central Asia. This species is not considered a good source of timber, as its wood is brittle. Salix caprea means "goat." This species is susceptible to disease mediated by insects and microbes.

Weeping willow vs. Purple willow: What's The Difference?

Weeping willow (Salix babylonica) is a willow tree that originates in China. Now, it grows widely around the globe due to being traded on the Silk Road. This tree is planted ornamentally in parks and gardens.

White willow vs. Purple willow: What's The Difference?

The cultivation of white willow dates back to the era of Hippocrates and Pliny the Elder. The wood of the white willow (Salix alba) is lightweight but durable, making it a popular material for products, including baskets and cricket bats. Chemicals in the bark, known as tannins, have also been used in the production of leather.

Black willow vs. Purple willow: What's The Difference?

Black willow (Salix nigra) is a fast-growing tree that may reach heights of 43 m. These willows are important as early spring food sources for wildlife, for erosion control, and are sometimes used for ornamental planting in particularly wet soils. The soft lumber from the black willow is used to produce wooden shipping boxes.

Pussy willow vs. Purple willow: What's The Difference?

Pussy willow (Salix discolor) is a deciduous shrub that will grow in full sun to partial shade in medium to wet soil. It blooms in spring with yellow greenish catkins. The blooms resemble the pads on a cat's paw which is how it gets its name. Interestingly male plants produce the more desirable silky pearl gray catkins and female plants produce smaller less attractive blooms. Due to its preference for moist soils this plant is usually found around ponds streams and lakes.

Coastal plain willow vs. Purple willow: What's The Difference?

The coastal plain willow (Salix caroliniana) is a willow species that can grow up to 6 m tall. Small yellow flowers erupt from pliable stems en masse during spring and attract various pollinating insects like butterflies and bees. The branches are beneficial in the construction of fencing, basketry, and other crafts. Coastal plain willow thrives in boggy areas and can tolerate some salt but not full inundation.

Corkscrew willow vs. Purple willow: What's The Difference?

Corkscrew willow is a willow tree known for its contorted and twisted branches that form stunning spiral shapes. The narrow leaves also come out twisted. It is a cultivar of Salix babylonica, named from the Italian word "tortuosa," which means winding. Gardeners plant this tree for its amazing winter ornamental appeal.

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Key Facts About Purple willow

Attributes of Purple willow

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Shrub

Plant Height

8 m

Spread

4 m

Leaf Color

Green

Blue

Stem Color

Green

Blue

Leaf type

Deciduous

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Scientific Classification of Purple willow

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Nances, spurges, willows and allies

Family

Willow

Genus

Willows

Species

Purple willow (Salix purpurea)

Learn More About the Purple willow

Distribution Map of Purple willow

Purple willow, a willow species, is native to Europe and Western Asia and thrives in riparian zones. It has been introduced and naturalized in parts of northern and central Europe. Additionally, purple willow has been cultivated in various regions beyond its natural range, reflecting a broader adaptation.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Potentially invasive

Exotic

No species reported

Learn More About the Purple willow

A Comprehensive Guide to Purple willow How to Grow and Care for Purple willow