White willow - Salix alba (Care, Characteristics, Symbolism, Images)

White willow

Also known as: Water willow, Cricket-bat willow, Sallow tree, Swallow Tail Willow

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.

Scientific classification

Species

White willow (Salix alba)

Nances, spurges, willows and allies

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Perennial

Lifespan

Tree

Plant Type

Spring

Bloom Time

Early summer

Harvest Time

10 m to 30 m

Plant Height

15 m to 21 m

Spread

Green, Gray, Yellow

Leaf Color

3 cm to 5 cm

Flower Size

Green

Fruit Color

Yellow, Green, White

Flower Color

Green, Yellow

Stem Color

Winter dormancy

Dormancy

Deciduous

Leaf type

Images of White willow

Distribution of White willow

Distribution Map

White willow is native from Western Europe through China and in northwestern Africa. It grows near streams, rivers, and marshes. White willow has been introduced in northern Europe, much of North America, and in parts of South America and Australia. Multiple US states list it as particularly invasive and destructive.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Streams, Rivers, Marshes, Woods

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Culture

Garden Use

White willow (Salix alba) is a popular garden tree loved for its broad, open crown which makes it well suited for large gardens or parklands. With its attractive silver-green leaves, this makes for a good landscape tree. Some plants that pair well with white willow include bog rosemary, Japanese iris, and rose mallow.

Symbolism

Sadness, mourning

Interesting Facts

White willow is a tree with low density wood, which allows it to bend. This makes it ideal for weaving baskets. Often times, live willow tree saplings are bent into shapes to create a living fence. Willow trees also contain a rooting hormone, which makes them excellent root stock for grafting other trees.

Name Story

White willow: The flying willow catkins in the sky like it is announcing the arrival of summer. This kind of plant looks like a willow tree suffering from albinism and it seems like it is covered by a white mist because all the leaves have a white back. Thousands of willow leaves will make a magnificent scenery. Hence, it is called white willow.

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Cultivars

There are several recognized cultivars of White willow, including the following common varieties :

White willow 'Britzensis'White willow 'Yelverton'White willow 'Britzensis'

Quickly Identify White willow

Weeping or rounded shape, 50-70 feet (15-21 meters) tall

Distinct yellowish-brown bark with deep furrows and ridges

Lanceolate leaves with white silky underside, serrate edges

Male catkins up to 2 inches (5 cm) with yellow flowers

Female catkins with greenish blossoms, dioecious flowering

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Care Guide for White willow

Every 1-2 weeks

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

0 - 32 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Garden Soil

Soil Type

Water: White willow thrives in moist, riparian zones and tolerates brief flooding. It prefers consistently damp soil, requiring watering every 1-2 weeks. Typically found outdoors, white willow benefits from natural rainfall. Water needs decline during winter dormancy, characteristic of its deciduous nature.

Fertilize: Use balanced nutrition fertilizers for white willow annually in early spring. High nitrogen options promote growth, while 1 inch of compost or slow-release fertilizer enhances vigor. Avoid dormant season fertilization and over-fertilizing. Mulching retains moisture; adjust practices based on white willow's response for healthy growth.

Pruning: White willow is a fast-growing tree with slender branches and silvery-green leaves. Prune in early spring to enhance growth, control size, and improve airflow by removing dead, diseased, or crowded branches. Use clean, sharp tools to minimize damage and encourage vigorous regrowth.

Propagation: White willow thrives in waterside plantings and propagates easily via hardwood cuttings. Use healthy 6-10 inch cuttings, clipped below a node. Plant in moist soil, keep damp, and expect root development within weeks with proper care.

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Images of White willow

Distribution of White willow

Culture

Cultivars

Quickly Identify White willow

Care Guide for White willow

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