Salix purpurea

Sunset

Zones A2, A3, 1-11, 34-43

Full, Partial

Ample, Moderate

Purple Osier, Alaska Blue Willow
Salicaceae
Deciduous, Shrubs, Trees

SALIX

Fast-growing, weak-wooded, short-lived plants. Weeping willows are best used as single trees near a stream or lake, though they can, with training, become satisfactory shade trees for patio or terrace. They leaf out very early in spring and hold their foliage late. Shrubby willows are grown mainly for catkins (this group goes by the name “pussy willow”) or colorful twigs, as screen plants, or for erosion control on stream or river banks.

Salix purpurea

From Europe, North Africa, central and eastern Asia. To 15 ft. high and wide, with purple branches. Narrow, 1- to 3-in.-long leaves are dark green above, bluish beneath. Cut shrub to ground if overgrown.

'Gracilis'

This variety has slimmer branches and narrower leaves than the species; it is usually grown as clipped hedge and kept 1 to 3 ft. high and wide.