Bareroot Salix cinerea (Grey Willow)

A robust and versatile deciduous shrub or small tree, distinguished by its silvery grey young shoots and elongated, velvety leaves that lend a soft texture to the landscape. In early spring, it produces slender, silvery catkins that provide an important nectar source for emerging pollinators. Thriving in damp soils, this plant is ideal for waterside plantings, hedgerows, or naturalistic gardens where its vigorous growth can be appreciated. Its tolerance for wet conditions and ability to stabilise soil make it particularly valuable for erosion control. With a more open, spreading habit than its relatives, it offers a relaxed, informal structure while still responding well to pruning if a tidier shape is desired.

Family of Trees: Salicaceae

Habit: Deciduous Shrub/Tree, Bushy

Growth Rate: 40-80 cm/year

Optimal Temperature: 10-25°C, hardy to -40°C

Harmful if Eaten?: Non-toxic

Flowers or Berries: Yellow-Green Catkins

Hardiness: H7 (Extremely Hardy)

Hardiness ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

○ H1a: under glass all year (>15C)
○ H1b: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
○ H1c: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
○ H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
○ H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
○ H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
○ H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
○ H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
○ H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)