Salix alba 'Chermesina'

Common name: Redstem willow

Description: large shrub or small tree; 7 m (22'); very attractive, yellow-red annual growth; for the best colour, prune regularly; vigorous and ornamental

Conditions: full sun to light shade; ample water; tolerates a wide range of soil and conditions

Coldest Zone: 3 (find your zone; further info on plant hardiness)

Of all the many types of Salix alba, this German clone is one of the best for winter colour. Unsurpassed as a specimen, it will be equally effective massed along a streambank. Even though this clone originated in Germany, it is distinct from Salix alba 'Britzensis'.

There are two ways to grow this plant - pruned or left to grow to its natural form. Read our page about pruning willows to find out more about coppicing and the resulting different plant form with an emphasis on colorful stems for winter interest.

Sizes available: bundle of 10 cuttings, plugs

Canadian price list   ||   US price list

This picture was taken in October and is of a group of two year old plants that are coppiced in the late winter every year.

[another picture of S. alba 'Chermesina'] 

Comparison of willow stems and leaves

Lists of various willow uses

Visit the USDA website to see a map of US states where Salix alba is found growing in the wild. You may then click on the individual states to see the counties where S. alba has been found.

From this we are able to deduce that the variety S. alba 'Chermesina' and the other Salix albas should grow well in probably every State in the continental US, provided you can give it the moist conditions that it requires.