About
Salix aurita, the eared willow, is a deciduous, branching shrub to about 3 m with red-brown young stems and crinkled, matt-green leaves with woolly undersides and serrated edges. Catkins are produced before the leaves in spring. A rewarding native willow for a moist, sunny garden or wild border.
About the genus
Salix, the willows, are deciduous shrubs and trees of very diverse habit, with simple leaves and tiny flowers in catkins, male and female usually on separate plants. Some are valued for brightly coloured winter shoots, others for ornamental catkins, foliage or stature.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeClay, Loam
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Poorly-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height2.5-4 metres
Spread1.5-2.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
Native toEurope to C Asia
Care notes
CultivationThis species thrives in deep, acidic soil and tolerates poor drainage; it is often found in bogs and streamsides in the wild. Dislikes shallow chalk
PruningPruning group 1
PropagationPropagate by softwood cuttings in early summer, or by hardwood cuttings in winter
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids, including large willow bark aphid, caterpillars, willow leaf beetle, sawflies and willow scale insects
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to willow anthracnose, honey fungus and rust diseases