Overview
Salix exigua is a suckering shrubs in the genus Salix, part of the Salicaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 2.5-4 metres tall and 2.5-4 metres wide, reaching full size in around 5-10 years. Salix exigua grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, coastal, cottage and informal garden, wildlife gardens, cut flowers and flower borders and beds.
About
Salix exigua, commonly known as coyote willow, is a deciduous shrub belonging to the Salix genus in the Salicaceae family. It grows to a height and spread of 2.5 to 4 metres, reaching full size within 5 to 10 years. This suckering shrub thrives in full sun or partial shade and is adaptable to various soil types including clay, loam, and sand, with a preference for moist but well-drained or well-drained conditions. It is suitable for exposed or sheltered sites and can be planted in west-, east-, or south-facing aspects. Salix exigua is notable in both spring and winter seasons.
About the genus
Willows, also called sallows and osiers, of the genus Salix, comprise around 350 species of typically deciduous trees and shrubs. They are primarily found on moist soils in cold and temperate regions.
Wikipedia contributors, "Willow", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Willow
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Salix
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- West-facing, East-facing, South-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Salix exigua size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Shrubs
- Habit
- Suckering
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 2.5-4 metres
- Spread
- 2.5-4 metres
- Time to full height
- 5-10 years
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens, Cut flowers, Flower borders and beds
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Salix exigua
- Propagation
- Softwood cuttings in early summer, Hardwood cuttings in winter
- Pest resistance
- Aphids, Caterpillars, Willow leaf beetle, Sawflies, Willow scale insects
- Disease resistance
- Willow anthracnose, Honey fungus, Rust diseases
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Salix exigua?
Salix exigua prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Salix exigua need?
Salix exigua is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to well-drained.
How big does Salix exigua grow?
Salix exigua reaches a height of 2.5-4 metres and a spread of 2.5-4 metres. It takes around 5-10 years to reach full size.
Is Salix exigua hardy in the UK?
Salix exigua has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Salix exigua?
Softwood cuttings in early summer, Hardwood cuttings in winter.
More in the Salix genus
Browse all Salix →
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