1. Native / Non-native Status
Native to the UK and much of Europe and western Asia.
2. Evergreen / Deciduous
Deciduous – leaves fall in autumn.
3. Appearance
Leaves: Long, narrow, lance-shaped leaves (5–10 cm), finely toothed edges, grey-green above with a silvery-white underside (hence the name). Arranged alternately.
Bark: Grey-brown, deeply fissured and rugged with age.
Flowers/Fruit/Seeds: Male and female catkins borne on separate trees in spring (dioecious). Male catkins are yellowish, female catkins green. Female catkins develop into small capsules containing silky, wind-dispersed seeds.
Overall shape: Large tree with a tall, open crown, often leaning or with spreading, arching branches.
4. Typical Size
17–22 m tall; spread 12–18 m.
5. Habitat & Range
Common along riversides, lakes, wetlands, and damp ground across the UK. Thrives in moist or waterlogged soils but tolerates occasional dry spells.
6. Distinctive Features (ID tips)
Narrow, silvery leaves that shimmer in the wind.
Large, leaning riverside tree with fissured bark.
Male and female catkins on separate trees.
7. Seasonal Changes
Spring: Catkins appear before or with new leaves.
Summer: Dense canopy of green-silver foliage.
Autumn: Leaves turn dull yellow-green before dropping.
Winter: Bare crown; rugged bark stands out.
8. Human Uses
Historically coppiced and pollarded for withies, basketry, fencing, and cricket bats (specialised “Salix alba caerulea” form).
Bark contains salicin, once used medicinally as the original source of aspirin.
Timber light but not durable, used for plywood and carving.
9. Wildlife Value
Catkins provide early nectar and pollen for bees and insects.
Leaves support many moth caterpillars.
Seeds and twigs eaten by birds and small mammals.
Supports a wide range of invertebrates and provides riverside habitat.
10. Fun Fact / Cultural Note
Willows are deeply rooted in folklore and poetry, often associated with mourning and water spirits.
The weeping willow, though more famous in culture, is a non-native hybrid relative of White Willow.
11. Planting & Care (Basic Instructions)
Best time to plant: Late autumn or early spring.
Soil: Prefers moist, fertile soils; tolerates heavy clays and waterlogging.
Light: Grows best in full sun but tolerates partial shade.
Watering: Keep well-watered when young; naturally thrives in damp conditions.
Spacing: Allow 10–15 m between trees for full growth.
Aftercare: Mulch to retain moisture. Pollard or coppice as needed for management. Protect young trees from browsing animals.
12. Good for Urban or Garden Setting?
Urban: Suitable for parks and riverside plantings; not ideal for streets due to size and brittle branches.
Garden: Best for very large gardens with ponds or streams. Too big and moisture-demanding for small gardens.