About
Salix cinerea subsp. oleifolia, the rusty sallow, is a deciduous tree to 10 m with yellow-and-red young twigs and attractively diamond-fissured mature bark. Elongated, oval, grey-sheened leaves appear alongside round, silvery male catkins bearing yellow pollen and green female catkins. A rewarding and ornamental native willow for a moist garden.
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, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Poorly-drained
AspectSouth-facing, North-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs, Trees
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height8-12 metres
Spread4-8 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCoastal, Wildlife gardens, Cottage and informal garden
Native toEurope, S Russia
Care notes
CultivationGrow in any deep moist well-drained soil in full sun. Good for natural settings, such as meadow and stream side gardens. Foliage provides a food source for moth and butterfly caterpillar species. Catkins provide an early pollen source for bees
PruningPruning group 1
PropagationPropagate by hardwood cuttings or by layering
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids, caterpillars, leaf beetles and sawflies
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to willow anthracnose, scab, canker, honey fungus and rust