Salix viminalis 'Superba'

Common name: Common osier (clone)

Description: tall shrub; 3-9 m (10-30'); yellow to olive-green branchlets; conspicuous yellow blooms, often before the snow melts

Conditions: full sun to part shade; tolerates poor soils, but thrives with better conditions

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

For basketry, plant in fertile soil, space .5 m apart and space rows 1.5m. Keep well watered and weed free for three years. Prune annually to encourage long straight rods that quality baskets require.

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.

A good willow for butterflies and bees.

Sizes available: bundle of 10 cuttings; plugs

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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.

Comparison of willow stems and leaves

Lists of various willow uses