Salix viminalis
Common name: Common osier, Basket willow
Description: large shrub or small
tree; 3-6 m (10-20') tall; deep yellow to reddish brown new
growth; numerous yellow catkins in early spring; highly ornamental
Conditions: full sun to part shade; thrives
with regular deep watering; tolerates a wide variety of soil
types; prune for utility.
Coldest Zone: 3 (find your
zone; further info on plant hardiness)
Most basket-type willows are highly ornamental
and the common osier is no exception. The three most frequently
used willows for basketry are Salix purpurea, Salix
triandra and Salix viminalis. When these three
are interplanted in a border, the variety of stem colour in
the winter garden rivals any other season.
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
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.
[pictures
of S. viminalis]
Comparison of willow
stems and leaves
Lists of various willow
uses
hardy field grown plants
