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 H6. It is a holder of the RHS Award of Garden Merit and attractive to pollinators. Suggested uses include coastal, cottage and informal garden and wildlife gardens. It is native to Canada to Mexico.
About
Salix exigua is a suckering shrub that develops dense thickets of slender stems. Its leaves are narrow and lance-shaped, reaching lengths of up to 10 cm; they start out silvery and transition to a grey-green hue as they mature. In spring, alongside the foliage, this species produces catkins: male catkins can grow to 5 cm, while female catkins can reach 6 cm in length, displaying a grey-yellow coloration.
About the genus
Salix consists of deciduous shrubs and trees exhibiting a variety of forms. They feature simple leaves and small flowers that grow in catkins, with male and female flowers typically found on separate specimens. Certain species are appreciated for their vibrant winter stems, while others are recognized for their leaves or prominent male catkins.
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
- H6
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
- Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
- Native to
- Canada to Mexico
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Salix exigua
- Cultivation
- Grow in any well-drained or moist but well-drained soil in full sun or light shade; dislikes shallow chalk soils but grows well on sandy soils
- Pruning
- Pruning group 1
- Propagation
- Propagate by softwood or semi-ripe cuttings from spring to summer or hardwood cuttings from autumn to late winter
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to aphids, caterpillars, leaf beetles, sawflies, willow scale
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to willow anthracnose, scab, canker, honey fungus and rust
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Salix exigua?
Grow in any well-drained or moist but well-drained soil in full sun or light shade; dislikes shallow chalk soils but grows well on sandy soils.
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 do I prune Salix exigua?
Pruning group 1.
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 a UK hardiness rating of H6.
How do I propagate Salix exigua?
Propagate by softwood or semi-ripe cuttings from spring to summer or hardwood cuttings from autumn to late winter.
Is Salix exigua good for pollinators?
Yes — Salix exigua attracts and supports pollinators such as bees and other beneficial insects.